The Sundance Film Festival begins this Thursday, January 18 and as expected, there are tons of exciting projects by and about women. For those of you making the trek to Park City, Utah, as well as those of you who just like to keep up with the newest films, we’ve put together some of the fest’s highlights for you to check out. (The key word being “some”: this list is by no means exhaustive. There are plenty more female centric and made films to see.)
Among the offerings is Emmy winner Reed Morano’s second feature, the apocalypse-set sci-fi drama “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Desiree Akhavan is also premiering her second feature film, “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” which is about a young woman sent to gay conversion camp in the early ‘90s.
There are also a bevy of feminist docs screening at Sundance this year. Sophie Sartain and Roberta Grossman’s “Seeing Allred” is about feminist attorney and women’s rights advocate Gloria Allred, while Betsy West and Julie Cohen’s “RBG” focuses on Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Amy Adrion’s “Half the Picture” sees female directors sharing their stories. And in Alexandria Bombach’s “On Her Shoulders” a genocide and sexual slavery survivor tells the world of her experiences in the hopes of inspiring change.
Finally, Debra Granik’s “Leave No Trace” delves into an intense father-daughter bond, one that’s as loving as it is isolating. The father and daughter must rebuild their lives elsewhere when that bond begins to break.
Sundance runs until January 28. Be sure to check out our interviews with women directors screening films at the fest, which we’ll begin publishing this week.
Here are some of our most anticipated films of Sundance 2018. Synopses and photos are courtesy of Sundance.
“I Think We’re Alone Now” — Directed by Reed Morano
What it’s about: The apocalypse proves a blessing in disguise for one lucky recluse — until a second survivor arrives with the threat of companionship.
Why we’re excited: Before breaking into directing, Reed Morano worked as a cinematographer. She’s doing double duty as director and DP on “I Think We’re Alone Now,” and we can’t wait to see what the apocalypse looks like through her eyes. Her feature directorial debut, Olivia Wilde-starrer “Meadlowland,” centered on couple grieving over the absence of their missing child, and proved Morano’s talent for capturing complicated relationship dynamics. In a soon-to-be published interview with us, Morano said “I Think We’re Alone Now” is “about what human connection means to someone who never actually connected to people when they were around.” Between making the features, she directed eps of “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Billions,” and “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and won an Emmy for her work in the latter.
“The Kindergarten Teacher” — Written and Directed by Sara Colangelo
What it’s about: Lisa Spinelli is a Staten Island teacher who is unusually devoted to her students. When she discovers one of her five-year-olds is a prodigy, she becomes fascinated with the boy, ultimately risking her family and freedom to nurture his talent. Based on the acclaimed Israeli film.
Why we’re excited: Maggie Gyllenhaal is killing it on HBO’s “The Deuce,” and her portrayal of a sex worker aspiring to direct porn is a powerful reminder of how much we’ve missed her on the big screen. Plus, “The Kindergarten Teacher” sounds like a story we haven’t seen before. “I felt strongly that there was an opportunity to talk about the value and space we give art in the United States, as well as complicated issues such as authorship, genius, and mediocrity,” writer-director Sara Colangelo told us in a soon-to-be published interview. “But for me this story is, above all, about a women’s awakening to art, and her well-intentioned but twisted journey to deliver a young poet to the world.”
“The Miseducation of Cameron Post” — Directed by Desiree Akhavan; Written by Desiree Akhavan and Cecilia Frugiuele
What it’s about: 1993: after being caught having sex with the prom queen, a girl is forced into a gay conversion therapy center. Based on Emily Danforth’s acclaimed and controversial coming-of-age novel.
Why we’re excited: Desiree Akhavan received an Indie Spirit Award nomination for her first feature, “Appropriate Behavior.” Akhavan starred in the comedy about an Iranian-American living in Brooklyn and struggling to come out as bisexual to her parents. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” sees her tackling another story with an LGBTQ protagonist, but this time around the subject matter sounds significantly darker. This is an important and — unfortunately — timely story. Gay conversion therapy centers still exist, and we’re betting lots of the people who find this film have experienced what goes on there first-hand.
“Half the Picture” (Documentary) — Directed by Amy Adrion
What it’s about: At a pivotal moment for gender equality in Hollywood, successful women directors tell the stories of their art, lives, and careers. Having endured a long history of systemic discrimination, women filmmakers may be getting the first glimpse of a future that values their voices equally.
Why we’re excited: Of course we’re dying to see “Half the Picture,” and couldn’t be happier about the film’s timing. It seems like more people are finally starting to recognize just how underrepresented women are in the directors chair — and how that affects the kinds of stories we see on-screen. “I want women and men, people of all ages, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations to leave [the theater] with an even greater passion to tell their own stories,” director Amy Adrion told us in a soon-to-be published interview. “I want them to get fired up by watching the incredible work made by the women in the film, who have all encountered discrimination, roadblocks and rejections, yet found a way to power through and not just persevere, but make great cinema.”
“Lizzie”
What it’s about: Based on the 1892 murder of Lizzie Borden’s family in Fall River, MA, this tense psychological thriller lays bare the legend of Lizzie Borden to reveal the much more complex, poignant, and truly terrifying woman within — and her intimate bond with the family’s young Irish housemaid, Bridget Sullivan.
Why we’re excited: It’s been well over a century since Lizzie Borden was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an ax, but her story continues to enthrall. It sounds like “Lizzie” will offer a fresh take on the infamous crime Borden was tried for, and with Chloë Sevigny and Kristen Stewart on board, the crime drama seems like it will be refreshingly grounded.
“Leave No Trace”— Directed by Debra Granik; Written by Debra Granik and Anne Rosellini
What it’s about: A father and daughter live a perfect but mysterious existence in Forest Park, a beautiful nature reserve near Portland, Oregon, rarely making contact with the world. A small mistake tips them off to authorities sending them on an increasingly erratic journey in search of a place to call their own.
Why we’re excited: Debra Granik is a master of telling stories about normal folks who find themselves in unbelievable circumstances — she is the director of “Winter’s Bone,” after all. “Leave No Trace” is Granik’s first narrative film since, and apparent companion piece to, the aforementioned 2010 Oscar nominee. While “Winter’s Bone” centered on the incredibly volatile relationship between a daughter and father, “Leave No Trace” focuses on a very strong, loving father-daughter bond. We can’t wait to see the turns “Leave No Trace” takes when that bond is threatened.
“The Tale”— Written and Directed by Jennifer Fox
What it’s about: An investigation into one woman’s memory as she’s forced to re-examine her first sexual relationship and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive; based on the filmmaker’s own story. Cast: Laura Dern, Isabel Nelisse, Jason Ritter, Elizabeth Debicki, Ellen Burstyn, Common.
Why we’re interested: Films usually aren’t shy about depicting trauma — whether it’s physical or emotional — but rarely acknowledge its aftermath. Jennifer Fox’s feature directorial debut promises to take an alternative route: it’s an intimate, sensitive look at how people revise their memories in order to move on from pain. That’s a compelling narrative in and of itself, and it’s sure to offer award-winning performers Laura Dern and Ellen Burstyn the chance to flaunt their skills.
“Seeing Allred” (Documentary) — Directed by Sophie Sartain and Roberta Grossman
What it’s about: Gloria Allred overcame trauma and personal setbacks to become one of the nation’s most famous women’s rights attorneys. Now the feminist firebrand takes on two of the biggest adversaries of her career, Bill Cosby and Donald Trump, as sexual violence allegations grip the nation and keep her in the spotlight.
Why we’re interested: Documentaries about feminists are always noteworthy, but “Seeing Allred” has the distinction of being extremely prescient. Allred, one of the most powerful feminist forces today, was at the front of the fight against sexual violence way before #MeToo and #TimesUp were part of the everyday conversation — and before sexual harassment dominated the news cycle. Getting a glimpse of Allred the person — instead of Allred the public figure — will be a much-needed reminder that anyone can effect social change.
“Ophelia” — Directed by Claire McCarthy; Written by Semi Chellas
What it’s about: A mythic spin on Hamlet through a lens of female empowerment: Ophelia comes of age as lady-in-waiting for Queen Gertrude, and her singular spirit captures Hamlet’s affections. As lust and betrayal threaten the kingdom, Ophelia finds herself trapped between true love and controlling her own destiny. Cast: Daisy Ridley, Naomi Watts, Clive Owen, George MacKay, Tom Felton, Devon Terrell.
Why we’re interested: “Hamlet’s” Ophelia is a tragic figure, and not just because she kills herself. The character is basically a one-dimensional pawn who is used and manipulated by the men in her life until she loses her grip on reality. Like all female characters, Ophelia deserves much better than that. Claire McCarthy’s (“The Waiting City”) “Ophelia” — like the Lisa Klein novel on which it’s based — gives the famous Shakespeare character her own story. And there’s a lot more to it than Hamlet.
“The Sentence” (Documentary)
What it’s about: Cindy Shank, mother of three, is serving a 15-year sentence in federal prison for her tangential involvement with a Michigan drug ring years earlier. This intimate portrait of mandatory minimum drug sentencing’s devastating consequences, captured by Cindy’s brother, follows her and her family over the course of 10 years.
Why we’re interested: Thanks to TV and film like Jenji Kohan’s “Orange Is the New Black” and Ava DuVernay’s “13th,” much of the public is aware of the horrors and arbitrary standards of the U.S. criminal justice system, at least in a macro sense. With its focus on one prisoner, and victim of the system, Cindy Shank, “The Sentence” will take on the subject matter in the micro sense. And it’s sure to be an honest, heartbreaking portrait of a life upended by biased, destructive laws.
“Bad Reputation” (Documentary)
What it’s about: A look at the life of Joan Jett, from her early years as the founder of The Runaways and first meeting collaborator Kenny Laguna in 1980 to her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock ’n’ roll pioneer.
Why we’re interested: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Joan Jett has already been a subject of a film: she was a main character in Floria Sigismondi’s biopic “The Runaways.” However, there’s much more to Jett’s story than her time in the all-women band, which “Bad Reputation” will hopefully rectify. We can’t wait to learn more about Jett and her journey to becoming one of rock music’s most powerful, influential voices.
“RBG” (Documentary) — Directed by Betsy West and Julie Cohen
What it’s about: An intimate portrait of an unlikely rock star: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. With unprecedented access, the filmmakers show how her early legal battles changed the world for women. Now this 84-year-old does push-ups as easily as she writes blistering dissents that have earned her the title “Notorious RBG.”
Why we’re interested: Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the few rays of light in modern Trumpian politics. She’s a feminist icon, a staunch defender of women’s rights, and uses her razor-sharp wit to call out injustice. Like Mimi Leder’s upcoming “On the Basis of Sex,” “RBG” provides new insight into the Supreme Court Justice’s life, especially during her beginnings as a lawyer. As co-director Betsy West told us in a soon-to-be-published interview, “Rebuffed by the legal establishment despite her early accomplishments, [Bader Ginsburg] went on to challenge the legal underpinnings of sexism in our country. By pushing through anger to action, she made the world a better place for every American woman.”
“Colette” — Co-Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
What it’s about: A young country woman marries a famous literary entrepreneur in turn-of-the-century Paris: At her husband’s request, Colette pens a series of bestselling novels published under his name. But as her confidence grows, she transforms not only herself and her marriage, but the world around her.
Why we’re interested: We’re all for stories of female empowerment, particularly when they pertain to women finding and claiming their voice — in this case as artists. Not to mention Keira Knightley is a seasoned pro when it comes to period dramas, so we can expect a solid performance from her as Colette in male-dominated, early 20th century Paris. It seems this biopic of the French novelist will hit on themes of female self-expression and self-discovery, which is refreshing for the genre, given its usual preoccupation with men.
“On Her Shoulders” (Documentary)— Directed by Alexandria Bombach
What it’s about: A Yazidi genocide and ISIS sexual slavery survivor, 23-year-old Nadia Murad is determined to tell the world her story. As her journey leads down paths of advocacy and fame, she becomes the voice of her people and their best hope to spur the world to action.
Why we’re interested: “There is a numbness in the world right now — an apathy that has met the refugee crisis head-on,” director Alexandria Bombach recently told Women and Hollywood in a soon-to-be-published interview. “Following Nadia through her experience … exposes this indifference in a way that is distinct and raw.” We’re all painfully aware of the apathy Bombach speaks of — embodied by many at the highest levels of government — so any work that seeks to counteract it is invaluable in the fight to change attitudes. With its focus on some rather complex issues, we’re interested to see how the film paints the involvement of the UN, the media, and various politicians in Nadia’s journey to the world stage. In Bombach’s own words, “On Her Shoulders” is “the story of a woman whose story is the most powerful thing her community has.” The least we can do is listen.
“White Rabbit” — Co-Written by Vivian Bang
What it’s about: A dramatic comedy following a Korean-American performance artist who struggles to be authentically heard and seen through her multiple identities in modern Los Angeles.
Why we’re interested: Given the dismal lack of Asian-American representation in film and television — both on-screen and behind-the-scenes — we’re delighted that “White Rabbit’s” lead star, Vivian Bang, also co-wrote and co-produced the film, taking matters into her own hands to ensure a wider range of narratives are reaching screens. “Can an artist take up space even if she has no audience?” she pondered recently on Twitter, before following up with a directive: “Decolonize stories for different perspectives that reflect a richer representation of our world.” We couldn’t be more on-board.
“Jane Fonda in Five Acts” (Documentary) — Directed by Susan Lacy
What it’s about: Girl next door, feminist activist, fitness tycoon, Oscar winner: Jane Fonda has lived a life of controversy, tragedy, and transformation — and she’s done it all in the public eye. An intimate look at one woman’s singular journey.
Why we’re interested: Jane Fonda is an undeniable part of the American zeitgeist. Delving into the life of an icon who has witnessed great change in the entertainment industry over her nearly 60 years as an actress, Fonda’s life likely has much to teach us about the systemic changes that Hollywood needs to level the playing field for women. And with master documentarian Susan Lacy (“Spielberg”) at the helm, we know we’re in for some great storytelling.
“Kusama — Infinity” (Documentary) — Written and Directed by Heather Lenz
What it’s about: — Now one of the world’s most celebrated artists, Yayoi Kusama broke free of the rigid society in which she was raised, and overcame sexism, racism, and mental illness to bring her artistic vision to the world stage. At 88, she lives in a mental hospital and continues to create art.
Why we’re interested: Before she became a world-famous artist, Kusama spent over 15 years developing her innovative body of work in New York City in relative obscurity. In a soon-to-be published interview with Women and Hollywood, writer-director Heather Lenz explained that she was motivated to make “Kusama — Infinity” because she felt Kusama’s “contributions to the American art world had been largely overlooked.” The many obstacles that Kusama faced as an immigrant are instructional for these times. Her colorful works and her equally colorful life make for a great story.
“Skate Kitchen” — Directed by Crystal Moselle; Written by Crystal Moselle and Aslihan Unaldi
What it’s about: Camille’s life as a lonely suburban teenager changes dramatically when she befriends a group of girl skateboarders. As she journeys deeper into this raw New York City subculture, she begins to understand the true meaning of friendship as well as her inner self.
Why we’re interested: “Skate Kitchen” captures the experience of women in male-dominated spaces and tells a story of a girl who learns the importance of camaraderie and self-discovery. Co-writer-director Crystal Moselle has been a director to watch ever since her doc “The Wolfpack” won the 2015 Sundance Festival Grand Jury Prize. “The Skate Kitchen” is her first narrative feature. By immersing herself in the lives of the skater girls and actively collaborating with them, she took a documentary-style approach to making the film that should make for innovative storytelling.
