The Tribeca Film Festival announced the lineups for the Spotlight, CinemaMania Section and Special screenings yesterday. The CinemaMania section has eight films and none are directed by women. Neither of the special screenings are directed by women and only one of the five in the sports film festival is directed by a woman. That film is: Marathon Boy, directed by Gemma Atwal.
There are a bunch of female directors included in the spotlight section. Out of 33 films, 7 are directed by women. That’s 21%. (All descriptions from press release)
Carol Channing: Larger Than Life, directed by Dori Berinstein, written by Dori Berinstein and Adam Zucker. (USA) — World Premiere, Documentary. The story of legendary performer Carol Channing’s life is as colorful as the lipstick on her big, bright smile. Director Dori Berinstein captures the magic and vivacity of the 90-year-old icon and throws it at the screen like roses at the stage during curtain call. You’ll have a grin on your face and a tear in your eye, evidence that the original Dolly Levi is still glowin’, still crowin’, and still goin’ strong.
The Hideaways, directed by Agnès Merlet. (France, Ireland) — World Premiere, Narrative. The Furlong men have unusual powers. Grandpa goes blind when he thinks of sex, Dad fries electronics when he’s afraid… but young James has a far more fearsome power. After losing everyone he loves, he flees to the woods to live alone. But when he’s discovered by a beautiful teenage cancer patient, their romance leads James on a journey back to civilization. Agnès Merlet (Artemisia) directs this whimsical fable about learning to live with the curses — and blessings — we inherit.
Higher Ground, directed by Vera Farmiga, written by Carolyn S. Briggs and Tim Metcalfe. (USA) — New York Premiere, Narrative. Vera Farmiga (Up in the Air) makes her directorial debut and stars in an adaptation of Carolyn S. Briggs’ memoir. Set in a tight-knit spiritual community at the height of feminism in the 1960s, Higher Ground is an exquisite study of one woman’s internal struggle with love and relationships. Farmiga delivers a nuanced performance straight from the gut, with compelling support from John Hawkes, Donna Murphy, Bill Irwin, and Joshua Leonard. A Sony Pictures Classics release.
Last Night, directed and written by Massy Tadjedin. (USA) — US Premiere, Narrative. Apart for one night, a happily married couple (Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington) is confronted by temptation that may decide the fate of their marriage. Last Night is ultimately about choices — to be in a relationship with someone, to give yourself to someone physically, to open yourself emotionally, and how to survive all three. Eva Mendes, Guillaume Canet, and Griffin Dunne also star in this sexy, provocative romantic drama. A Tribeca Film release.
The Loving Story, directed Nancy Buirski. (USA) — New York Premiere, Documentary. Nancy Buirski’s moving, evocative documentary recounts the unknown love story of Mildred and Richard Loving, the couple behind the 1967 Supreme Court ruling overturning anti-miscegenation laws in the United States. Drawing from a wealth of stunning archival footage, The Loving Story recreates a seminal moment in history in uncommon style, anchoring a timely message of marriage equality in a personal, human love story.
A Matter of Taste, directed by Sally Rowe. (USA) — New York Premiere, Documentary. Eel, violets, and chocolate. Espuma of calf brains and foie gras. They’re the kind of hyper-modern dishes that made virtuosic young chef Paul Liebrandt a fast-rising star in the NYC restaurant world. But after September 11, when haute cuisine took a back seat to comfort food, Liebrandt would have to struggle for a decade in and out of the kitchen to get back to the top. A Matter of Taste mixes sumptuous food with an insider’s view into the complicated relationships between critics, chefs, and restaurant owners.
The Perfect Family, directed by Anne Renton, written by Claire V. Riley and Paula Goldberg. (USA) — World Premiere, Narrative. In this sweet family drama, a devout Catholic (Kathleen Turner) in the running for the coveted Catholic Woman of the Year award must prove that her family actually conforms to the image of “the perfect family” as envisioned by the church, an image she’s put forth with considerable effort her whole life. Also starring Emily Deschanel, Jason Ritter, Richard Chamberlain, and Michael McGrady.
When the Drum Is Beating, directed by Whitney Dow. (USA, Haiti) — World Premiere, Documentary. The 20-member band Septentrional has been making music for 62 years as Haiti’s most celebrated big band. This inspirational documentary charts the history of Haiti from its triumphant independence from French colonialism to 2010’s devastating earthquake — all set to the vibrant music of Septentrional and punctuated with its members’ personal memories. Featuring a wealth of live rehearsal and performance footage, When the Drum Is Beating is a poignant and high-energy story of resilience. In English, Creole with English subtitles.
