Weekly Update for January 3: Women Centric, Directed, and Written Films Playing Near You

FILMS ABOUT WOMEN OPENING

The Grudge

After a young mother murders her family in her own house, a detective (Andrea Riseborough) attempts to investigate the mysterious case, only to discover that the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost. Now targeted by the demonic spirits, the detective must do anything to protect herself and her family from harm.

TV PREMIERES

Ilana Glazer: The Planet Is Burning (Comedy Special) – Written by Ilana Glazer (Premieres January 3 on Amazon Prime)

“Ilana Glazer: The Planet Is Burning”

“Ilana Glazer: The Planet Is Burning” will feature Ilana’s thoughts on homophobes and Nazis, how crappy women’s razors are, and what a joke the patriarchy is.

Jayde Adams: Serious Black Jumper (Comedy Special) (Premieres January 3 on Amazon Prime)

Having packed away the sequins and glamour — for now — Jayde Adams has gotten rid of the show stopping musical numbers and glitzy costumes to reinvent herself as a “Successful Independent Woman Person,” exploring what it means to be a feminist this century. This working class woman of the people invites you to discover what it takes to be a real role model, whilst wearing the feminist wardrobe staple attire: the Serious Black Jumper™.

McCarthy (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Sharon Grimberg (Premieres January 6 on PBS)

Joseph McCarthy took office after a stunning victory in an election no one thought he could win. After serving four lackluster years in Congress, he took center stage by declaring that there was a vast conspiracy threatening America — emanating not from a rival superpower, but from within. Free of restraint or oversight, he conducted a crusade against those he accused of being Communists and enemies of the state, a chilling campaign marked by groundless accusations, bullying intimidation, grandiose showmanship, and cruel victimization. With lawyer Roy Cohn at his side, he belittled critics, spinning a web of lies and distortions while spreading fear and confusion.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (Special Sneak Preview January 7 on NBC; Officially Premieres February 16)

If there’s a song in your heart, it will get in her head. Jane Levy stars in this high-concept drama as Zoey Clarke, a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event, Zoey, who always preferred podcasts over pop songs, suddenly starts to hear the innermost wants, thoughts, and desires of the people around her — her family, co-workers, and complete strangers — through popular songs. At first, she questions her own sanity, but after getting some guidance from her musically adept neighbor, and making a breakthrough with her ailing father, Zoey soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift as she connects with the world like never before.

Party of Five – Created by Amy Lippman and Christopher Keyser (Premieres January 8 on Freeform)

“Party of Five”: Freeform

“Party of Five” follows the five Acosta children — Emilio (Brandon Larracuente), Lucia (Emily Tosta), Beto (Niko Guardado), Valentina (Elle Paris Legaspi), and baby Rafael — as they navigate daily life and struggle to survive as a family unit after their parents are suddenly deported to Mexico.

VOD/STREAMING RELEASES

Limerence – Written and Directed by Tammy Minoff (VOD, January 7)
Snatchers (VOD, January 7)

#VOTEFORWOMEN THIS AWARDS SEASON

Credit: WIF LA

If you watch the Golden Globes on Sunday night, you won’t see any women writers or directors recognized in any of the feature categories (again). Women and Hollywood will be tweeting during the Globes to remind people to #VoteForWomen, with our partners, Women in Film Los Angeles, and New York Women in Film & Television.

Join us.