#Feminism
Winfrey, Witherspoon, Kidman, Lange, and More Talk Hollywood’s Double Standards and Portraying…
Winfrey, Witherspoon, Kidman, Lange, and More Talk Hollywood’s Double Standards and Portraying Trauma in THR Roundtable Reese Witherspoon and Elisabeth Moss in THR’s Drama Actress Roundtable:...
BY Laura BergerJune 8, 2017Naomi Alderman Wins Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction for “The Power”
This year’s Baileys Women’s Prize for Fiction has gone to Naomi Alderman. The “Disobedience” author took home the prize — a bronze statuette called a Bessie — and £30,000 (about...
BY Rachel MontpelierJune 8, 2017Cyndi Lauper Writing Music and Lyrics for “Working Girl” Stage Musical
Cyndi Lauper is bringing her musical chops to Broadway again. The “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” singer will write the music and lyrics for the upcoming “Working Girl” stage musical,...
BY Rachel MontpelierJune 7, 2017Cross-Post: Parents in the Palais: An Open Letter to the Cannes Film Festival
The following has been reposted from agnès films with the authors’ permission. In response to reports of mistreatment from mothers and parents at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, agnès films’...
BY Women and HollywoodJune 7, 2017Patty Jenkins Is Not Attached to the “Wonder Woman” Sequel
With “Wonder Woman’s” box office numbers, 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and an “A” CinemaScore, you’d think Warner Bros. would be doing everything in their power to lock down...
BY Rachel MontpelierJune 7, 2017Trailer Watch: Abbi and Ilana Resist and Persist in “Broad City” Season 4
Yas queen! The broads are back! A new trailer for “Broad City” is here and its brief 98 seconds is packed. As Jennifer Lopez’s “Get Right” plays, we see glimpses of Shania Twain, RuPaul,...
BY Rachel MontpelierJune 6, 2017Interview: Theater Director Rebecca Taichman on Her First Broadway Show “Indecent”
Rebecca Taichman: rebeccataichman.com A fixture of Off-Broadway and regional theater spaces, Rebecca Taichman has been at the helm of many productions including “Familiar,” “Stage Kiss,”...
BY Holly Rosen FinkJune 2, 2017All-Female Shakespeare Stage Trilogy to Receive UK Theatrical Release
Filmed versions of Phyllida Lloyd’s all-women productions of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” “Henry IV,” and “The Tempest” are receiving theatrical releases in the UK. According to...
BY Rachel MontpelierJune 2, 2017Guest Post: How Writing “The Women’s Balcony” Made Me Rethink My Relationship with Judaism
Guest Post by Shlomit Nehama My debut screenplay centers on the aftermath of an accident at a synagogue. The women’s balcony collapses, leaving the synagogue in shambles. When repairs are made...
BY Women and HollywoodJune 1, 2017Jessica M. Thompson’s SXSW Winner “The Light of the Moon” Acquired by Imagination Worldwide
Imagination Worldwide (IWW) has nabbed the worldwide distribution rights to Jessica M. Thompson’s “The Light of the Moon,” a press release has announced. The SXSW winner chronicles the...
BY Laura BergerJune 1, 2017“Wonder Woman” Helps Take a Piece Out of the Glass Ceiling for Women in Film
I’ve been tracking women working in Hollywood and the global film industry for ten years now. Way back when I first started writing for this blog having a woman direct a female-led superhero movie...
BY Melissa SilversteinJune 1, 2017Quote of the Day: Patty Jenkins on the Pressure and Responsibility of Directing “Wonder Woman”
“I can’t take on the history of 50 percent of the population just because I’m a woman,” Patty Jenkins told The Hollywood Reporter in an in-depth interview published earlier today. The...
BY Women and HollywoodMay 31, 2017Cannes Interview: “I Am Not a Witch” Writer-Director Rungano Nyoni Talks Misogyny, Witches, and…
Cannes Interview: “I Am Not a Witch” Writer-Director Rungano Nyoni Talks Misogyny, Witches, and Shooting in Zambia “I Am Not a Witch” is one of the most original films about feminism I have...
BY Melissa SilversteinMay 30, 2017Quote of the Day: Jessica Chastain Calls Depictions of Women at Cannes “Quite Disturbing”
When we found out Jessica Chastain would be serving on the jury at Cannes this year, we knew the outspoken feminist would make a mark at the fest. Sure enough, the two-time Oscar nominated actress...
BY Laura BergerMay 30, 2017Women and Hollywood is Looking for Interns for the Second Half of 2017
Women and Hollywood is looking for two interns for the second half of 2017. The positions will begin on July 1, 2017 and end on December 23, 2017. Applicants must be willing to commit to six months...
BY Women and HollywoodMay 30, 2017Quote of the Day: “Wonder Woman” Director Patty Jenkins on the Sexist Trickle-Down Effect in Film
Women don’t like superhero movies. That myth was one of the biggest obstacles Patty Jenkins faced as she directed the much-anticipated “Wonder Woman,” out June 2. In an interview with The...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 26, 2017Women-Only “Wonder Woman” Screenings Sell Out and Overcome Trolls
“Wonder Woman”: Warner Bros. Despite garden-variety protests from dudes on the internet, two women-only screenings of “Wonder Woman” at the Alamo Drafthouse theater in Austin have sold out....
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 26, 2017Just Four of the New Fall Broadcast TV Series Are Women-Created
Now that the May upfronts are over, the Big Five networks (ABC, CBS, The CW, FOX, and NBC) have solidified their fall 2017–18 TV lineups. And CBS isn’t the only one failing women. Women and...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 25, 2017WIDC Launches Directory of Canadian Women Directors and Calls for Award Submissions
In honor of its 20th anniversary, Canada’s Women In the Director’s Chair (WIDC) initiative has announced the launch of an online directory of its filmmakers. The alumnae directory includes...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 25, 2017Quote of the Day: Helen Mirren Explains Why She’s a “Declared Feminist”
The self-described “Nastiest of all Nasty Women” recently gave the commencement address at Tulane University, and her speech was characteristically candid, hilarious, and feminist — Helen...
BY Laura BergerMay 25, 2017WIF Launches Campaign Encouraging Audiences to See “Wonder Woman” Opening Weekend
We know where we’ll be next weekend — watching Gal Gadot kick ass on the big screen. After years of anticipation, Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman” is opening in theaters. And we’ll be...
BY Laura BergerMay 24, 2017Women Filmmakers Receive 66% of Doha Film Institute Spring Grants
In much-needed good news, Variety reports that Doha Film Institute (DFI) is awarding more than half of its spring grants to female filmmakers. In fact, women will receive about 66 percent of the...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 23, 2017“Criminal Minds” Actresses Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook Push for Equal Pay
Kirsten Vangsness and A.J. Cook of Criminal Minds” are fighting for equal pay. The duo are seeking parity with co-stars Joe Mantegna and Matthew Gray Gubler for the CBS procedural’s 13th season...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 23, 2017Haifaa Al-Mansour to Direct “The Perfect Candidate”
“Wadjda” writer-director Haifaa Al-Mansour has lined up her next project. The trailblazing Saudi Arabian filmmaker will helm “The Perfect Candidate,” a drama about a young female physician...
BY Laura BergerMay 23, 2017Trailer Watch: Clone Club Preps for Its Final Fight in “Orphan Black” Season 5
Last time we saw the Clone Club sisters (all portrayed by Tatiana Maslany), they weren’t doing great. Resident Bad Clone Rachel had abducted Sarah’s family, Sarah and Cosima were severely sick...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 23, 2017Industry Double Standards: The Success of “Everything, Everything” and Failure of “King Arthur”
Stella Meghie’s “Everything, Everything” is beating box office expectations. Guy Ritchie’s “King Arthur: Legend of the Sword” is bombing. But let’s be real, Ritchie will still get his...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 22, 2017The Cannes Conundrum
I feel very conflicted writing about the Cannes Film Festival. It would be easy if I wrote reviews and I could just talk about the movies — whether I like them or not, and whether they suck or...
BY Melissa SilversteinMay 22, 2017BAFTA Names 15 Female Directors Selected for Elevate 2017 Program
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the participants of its annual Elevate program. As this year’s initiative addresses the gender gap among directors in the...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 18, 2017Quote of the Day: Ava DuVernay on the Privilege of Being Able to Say No
Ava DuVernay is dropping truth bombs yet again. The Hollywood Reporter recently brought together some of the top showrunners and producers in the business, and the resulting feature is full of...
BY Laura BergerMay 17, 2017None of CBS’ New Fall Series Are Women-Centric
CBS has unveiled its fall 2017 lineup and, in terms of women-centric programming, it’s a wasteland. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the network is moving forward with eight pilots: four dramas, four...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 17, 2017Cannes 2017: Salma Hayek, Robin Wright, and More to Participate in Women in Motion Talks
Women-directed films are — once again — scarcely represented in Cannes’ Competition lineup, but fortunately Kering’s third annual Women in Motion program promises to initiate and...
BY Laura BergerMay 17, 2017Trailer Watch: Emma Stone Tackles Sexism on the Tennis Court in “Battle of the Sexes”
“Battle of the Sexes” “I had a great idea,” Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) tells Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) over the phone in the new trailer for “Battle of the Sexes.” “‘Male...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 16, 2017Women in Film and Television UK Launches Research Institute for Gender in Media
Women in Film and Television UK (WFTV) unveiled plans for a new research institute at its recent Making A Difference Conference. According to a press release, the new Research Institute for Gender...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 16, 2017“Sworn Virgin” Director Laura Bispuri Announces Next Film
Laura Bispuri will examine the complex relationships between mothers and daughters as well as adoptive and biological parents in her next film. Per Variety, the “Sworn Virgin” director is set to...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 15, 2017Apply Now for the Women in Entertainment Workshop Series at LAFF
This year’s Los Angeles Film Festival (LAFF) is turning out to be a very welcoming event for women in Hollywood. The fest’s lineup includes plenty of of women-directed films and now Women in...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 15, 2017Trailer Watch: “Jeanette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc” Is a Musical Ode to Martyrdom
Chances are you’ve heard of Joan of Arc — the famous martyr and feminist icon who disguised herself as a man in order to fight in the Hundred Years’ War and was eventually burned at the...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 12, 2017Mimi Plauche Named Artistic Director of Chicago International Film Festival
The Chicago International Film Festival will have a new artistic director for its 53rd edition in October. According to the Chicago Tribune, Mimi Plauche has been promoted from program director to...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 12, 2017June Diane Raphael Is Writing a Book About Women Running for Office
June Diane Raphael wants more women to run for political office — so she is writing a book encouraging women to do just that. As People reports, the actress-comedian will pen “Represent: The...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 11, 2017Venus Williams to EP & Star in Unscripted Series About Female Entrepreneurs
World champion tennis player Venus Williams will be showcasing her skills as a businesswoman in a new unscripted series. According to Variety, the founder/CEO of interior design company V*STARR...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 11, 2017Crystal + Lucy Awards to Honor Elizabeth Banks, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mira Nair, & More
Former “Daily Show” correspondent Jessica Williams is set to host the 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards. Elizabeth Banks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Mira Nair are among the women being honored at the...
BY Laura BergerMay 10, 2017LA Film Fest Competition Lineup Announced: 46 Percent Women-Directed
The LA Film Festival (LAFF) has announced its 2017 competition lineups. “Our competitions reflect who Film Independent is as an organization,” emphasized LAFF Director Jennifer Cochis. “Within...
BY Laura BergerMay 10, 2017Trailer Watch: Final “Wonder Woman” Spot Follows the Rise of the Warrior
“Be careful of mankind, Diana,” Queen Hippolyta (Connie Nielsen) tells her daughter, a pint-sized Diana, Princess of Themyscira aka Wonder Woman. “They do not deserve you.” If the final...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 8, 2017DGA Announces Participants of New TV Director Mentorship Program
The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has selected the participants for a TV directing mentorship initative, SHOOTonline reports. The program will see “early-career directors (Protégés)”...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 5, 2017Yet Another Woman-Led Action Film Will Be Directed By a Man
“Peppermint” has found a director. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the in-demand female-led action film will be helmed by Pierre Morel (“Taken”). Morel signed on to direct the revenge...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 4, 2017Refinery29 Unveils Its Female-First NewFronts Programming Slate
Rashida Jones (“Angie Tribeca”), Evan Rachel Wood (“Westworld”), Sasheer Zamata (“SNL”), Willow Smith (“True Jackson, VP”), and Zosia Mamet (“Girls”) are among Refinery29's...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 4, 2017Anthology of Trailblazing Women Directors’ Films to Be Released
Time to brush up on your film herstory. Flicker Alley and Blackhawk Films has announced the release of “Early Women Filmmakers: An International Anthology,” a collection of restored films from...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 4, 2017Shonda Rhimes Accepts Planned Parenthood Award and Says “Women Should Be Running Things”
“Women should be running things.” Amen, Shonda Rhimes. The mogul took the stage last night to accept the Champion of Change Award from Planned Parenthood, which still exists despite the best...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 3, 2017Women to Direct Six of 10 Episodes of Naomi Watts-Led Netflix Series “Gypsy”
Like Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar” and Moira Buffini and Alison Newman’s “Harlots,” Netflix’s upcoming “Gypsy” has dedicated itself to supporting women behind the scenes. According...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 3, 2017Trailer Watch: “Wonder Woman” Doesn’t Need to Be Saved
In a new TV spot for Patty Jenkins’ “Wonder Woman,” Diana Prince (Gal Godot), aka the titular Amazonian superheroine, finds herself in a classic film scene. She’s walking in a creepy alley...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 3, 2017All-Female Comedy Series “Baroness von Sketch Show” Is Coming to IFC
Finally, something to fill the “Garfunkel and Oates”-shaped void in our lives. Per The Hollywood Reporter, IFC is adding the all-female “Baroness von Sketch Show” to its lineup. The first...
BY Rachel MontpelierMay 2, 2017Kelly Carmichael to Head Production & Development for Jessica Chastain’s Freckle Films
Consider us pleasantly unsurprised. Jessica Chastain’s production company, Freckle Films, has hired a female president of production and development: former Weinstein Company and Miramax...
BY Laura BergerMay 2, 2017