“People aspiring to be leaders in this country, they need to go through women of color because we’re making our voices known,” a character in “And She Could Be Next” emphasizes. A trailer just dropped for Grace Lee (“American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs”) and Marjan Safinia’s (“Seeds”) two-part docuseries about the vital role women of color are playing in modern American politics. Originally selected for the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, which has been postponed, its U.S. broadcast and streaming rights have been acquired by PBS’ “POV” doc series. The project is set to air as part of PBS’ “Trailblazers” programming, which is celebrating the women’s vote centennial and honoring the strides of other pioneering women throughout history.
“There is this assumption that black people don’t vote, that Latinos are not American citizens, that Asian Americans are Republicans, that young people are wholly unreliable,” a character in the trailer explains. The women spotlighted in the docuseries — including history-making former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Representative Rashida Tlaib, and many more — are working to dismantle those myths. “The sort of traditional notions of what’s possible in American politics are being challenged every day,” another interviewee explains.
The women of “And She Could Be Next” — activists, organizers, and politicians alike — are determined to galvanize underserved communities come Election Day. One character describes these communities as the “new American majority.” “They’re young, they’re brown, they might speak another language,” she says. “And there’s a lot of us,” a young woman adds.
“And She Could Be Next” features an all-women of color crew, and counts Yoruba Richen (“The New Black”), Geeta Gandbhir (“I Am Evidence”), Amber Fares (“Speed Sisters”), Deborah Esquenazi (“Southwest of Salem: The Story of the San Antonio Four”), Ramona Emerson (“Opal”), and Anayansi Prado (“Maid in America”) as field directors. Ava DuVernay is among the project’s executive producers.
“If ever there was a moment where we need to be reminded of the leadership of women of color, that time is now,” DuVernay said, per Deadline. “If you’re an immigrant, a young person, a person of faith, or simply someone who has felt unseen for too long, you will find yourself reflected in this story.”
“This series brings passion, energy, and hope in our uncertain times,” stated “POV’s” Justine Nagan, who also serves as EP. “Supporting this project meant a chance to highlight the work of the bold women of color on the front lines in this country, as well as those behind the camera.”
“And She Could Be Next” isn’t the only doc exploring women’s increasing influence in U.S. politics and elections. Hannah Rosenzweig and Wendy Sachs’ “Surge,” a chronicle of the historic 2018 midterm elections — which saw a record number of first-time female candidates running for and winning political office — is now seeking distribution. Sundance winner “Knock Down the House,” from Rachel Lears, was one of our favorite documentaries of 2019. It traces the campaign journeys of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Amy Vilela, Cori Bush, and Paula Jean Swearengin.
“And She Could Be Next” will debut on POV and pov.org on June 29.
