FILMS ABOUT WOMEN COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
House of Hummingbird – Written and Directed by Bora Kim
Set in 1994 Seoul, this semi-autobiographical coming-of-age drama sees 14-year-old Eun-hee (Ji-hu Park) find kinship with Young-ji (Sae-byuk Kim), her compassionate new female tutor. Written off unfairly as a troublemaker by her male teacher who describes her classmates as stupid, Eun-hee is struck by meeting an adult who seems genuinely curious about her and treats her as more than just a receptacle to impart knowledge into. While the other adults in Eun-hee’s life try to control and constrain her, Young-ji encourages her to build her self-esteem. “It takes some time to learn to like yourself,” she tells her. The tutor’s kindness serves as a much-needed lifeline for the girl, whose verbally and physically abusive father and brother make home an unstable, and oftentimes frightening, place for she, her older sister, and their mother. “House of Hummingbird” takes viewers inside the teenager’s life as she struggles to understand and be understood. (Laura Berger)
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Bora Kim.
“House of Hummingbird” is now screening via virtual cinemas.
The Audition – Directed by Ina Weisse; Written by Ina Weisse and Daphne Charizani
“The Audition”: Strand Releasing
Anna Bronsky (Nina Hoss) is a violin teacher at a music-focused high school. Despite the opposition of all other teachers, Anna drives through the admission of a student, Alexander (Ilja Monti), in whom she detects a remarkable talent. Committed, she prepares him for the intermediate exam and neglects her family. Her colleague Christian (Jens Albinus), with whom she has an affair, persuades her to join a quintet. When she fails during their joint concert, the pressure mounts and she focuses all her attention on Alexander. Come the day of the exam, events take a tragic turn.
“The Audition” is now screening via virtual cinemas.
Denise Ho: Becoming the Song (Documentary) – Directed by Sue Williams
“Denise Ho: Becoming the Song”
“Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” profiles the openly gay Hong Kong singer and human rights activist Denise Ho. Drawing on unprecedented, years-long access, the film explores her remarkable journey from commercial Cantopop superstar to outspoken political activist, an artist who has put her life and career on the line to support the determined struggle of Hong Kong citizens to maintain their identity and freedom.
“Denise Ho: Becoming the Song” will be screening via virtual cinemas July 1.
Scheme Birds (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin
“Scheme Birds” bursts with the frustration of a generation of Scots let down by society’s promises. We see the fading steel town through the eyes of Gemma, a soon-to-be mother on the verge of adulthood. In a place where you “either get knocked up or locked up,” Gemma carves out brief moments of tenderness amidst the violence of her local scheme.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Ellen Fiske and Ellinor Hallin.
“Scheme Birds” will be available on VOD platforms including Apple TV and Amazon June 30.
Beyond Driven (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Riyaana Hartley, Vincent Tran (Available on VOD)
“Beyond Driven” is the story of Lella Lombardi, former butcher’s delivery driver and ex Formula 3 Championship runner up, Lella Lombardi, became the first, and still only, female driver to win F1 World Championship points at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975. During one of the most controversial weekends in F1 history, set amid a notoriously dangerous Barcelona street circuit, spectator deaths, driver boycotts, a huge first corner crash, and a shortened race, Lombardi made history and recorded a fete that is yet to be bettered more than 45 years later. Having broken a truly remarkable glass ceiling through sheer tenacity, Lombardi continued to race, but never reached the same heights again. Her death left behind a mysterious personal life but sparked a powerful legacy for female drivers to aspire to. For the first time, explore the incredible life of this overlooked sporting and cultural icon, through the eyes of today’s leading female drivers from across the globe.
“Beyond Driven” will be available on VOD platforms including Amazon, iTunes, and YouTube June 30.
Suzi Q (Documentary) (One Night Virtual Premiere) (Available on VOD July 3)
“Suzi Q”
Before Suzi Quatro burst on the music world in 1973, there were almost no women in rock, and absolutely none who played bass and sang lead vocals and led the band and rocked out and reached millions of people around the world, re-writing the rule book for the expected image of women in rock & roll. Singer, songwriter, bass player, bandleader, actress, radio-presenter, poet – there is only one Suzi Q, the pint-sized, leather-clad rocker who has sold more than 50 million records and in 2019 released a new album, celebrating 53 years as a working musician.
“Suzi Q” will be available to watch for a one night virtual premier on July 1. See here for more info.
A Regular Woman – Directed by Sherry Hormann
Based on the tragic “honor killing” of Hatun Aynur Sürücü in 2005, “A Regular Woman” portrays a glimpse of life for a free spirited young woman living with an ultra-conservative Turkish Muslim family in Berlin. After escaping a forced marriage in Turkey with her abusive cousin, Hatun (Almila Bagriacik) provokes the ire of her family by embracing a westernized lifestyle. After enduring endless harassment, she finally leaves the family and attempts to survive alone with her child, with whom she had escaped Turkey while pregnant. The threats and harassment continue, with German authorities willing to do nothing unless a physical act of harm takes place. This soon materializes as the family decides to task Hatun’s youngest brother with a deed that would end the family’s “shame,” and thrust the horrific practice of honor killings into the national spotlight.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Sherry Hormann.
“A Regular Woman” is now screening via virtual cinemas.
Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things (Documentary)
Ella Fitzgerald was a 15 year-old street kid when she won a talent contest in 1934 at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. Within months she was a star. “Ella: Just One of Those Things” follows her extraordinary journey over six decades as her sublime voice transforms the tragedies of her own life and the troubles of her times into joy. The film uses never-before-seen images and unheard interviews to bring Ella Fitzgerald to life and to tell the story of her music and accomplishments as a black woman who makes her career in the face of horrifying racism. Here is an Ella the world never knew – tough, thoughtful, funny, a dazzling musical innovator.
“Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things” is now screening via virtual cinemas.
Fanny Lye Deliver’d (Available in UK)
Fanny Lye (Maxine Peake) lives a quiet Puritan life with her husband John (Charles Dance) and young son Arthur (Zak Adams), but her simple world is shaken to its core by the unexpected arrival of a mysterious young couple (Freddie Fox and Tanya Reynolds) in need. An unexpected visit from the local Sheriff causes events to escalate that changes Fanny’s disciplined life forever.
“Fanny Lye Deliver’d” is available on VOD platforms including Amazon UK.
Lynn + Lucy (Available in UK)
“Lynn + Lucy”
Lynn (Roxanne Scrimshaw) and Lucy (Nichola Burley) are life-long best friends, their relationship as intense as any romance. Neither has ventured far from where they grew up. Lynn, who married her first boyfriend and whose daughter is fast growing up, is delighted when the charismatic, volatile Lucy has her first baby, a boy. Lucy, however, does not react to motherhood as Lynn expects. Soon, they find their friendship tested in the most extreme circumstances.
“Lynn + Lucy” will be available to stream on BFI Player July 2.
Viena and the Fantomes
Viena (Dakota Fanning), a beautiful, young roadie, travels with the Fantomes, an edgy post-punk band, as they tour through America in the 1980s. What starts out as a wild ride of concerts and parties quickly descends into an alcohol and drug induced haze. Viena finds herself trapped in a dangerous love triangle between a good-natured roadie and an unbalanced band member, as she is forced to find her own means of survival – no matter the cost.
“Viena and the Fantomes” will be available on VOD platforms including Apple TV and Amazon June 30.
The Girl With a Bracelet (Available in UK)
When sixteen-year-old Lise (Melissa Guers) is accused of murdering her best friend, the impending case tests the loyalty of her family and those around her. However, once the trial starts, her secret life begins to unfold and the plot thickens, calling into question how well we really know the ones we love. What follows is a gripping courtroom procedural that forensically probes the anatomy of a trial, posing questions about how society judges young women inside and outside the courtroom.
“The Girl With a Bracelet” is now available on Curzon Home Cinema.
Madagasikara: The Real Madagascar (Documentary)
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, known for its lemurs and unique biodiversity and as the setting of the popular animated films. But the real Madagascar is much different than the world imagines. “Madagasikara: The Real Madagascar” is the story of three resilient women fighting for the survival of their families and the education of their children against the overwhelming forces of domestic political instability, international political hypocrisy and the crushing poverty caused by both.
“Madagasikara: The Real Madagascar” is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
FILMS ABOUT WOMEN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON STREAMING/VOD
“(In)Visible Portraits”
(In)Visible Portraits (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Oge Egbuonu (Vimeo)
Miss Juneteenth - Written and Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples (VOD)
Babyteeth – Directed by Shannon Murphy; Written by Rita Kalnejais (VOD)
Diana Kennedy: Nothing Fancy (Documentary) - Directed by Elizabeth Carroll (VOD)
Tape – Written and Directed by Deborah Kampmeier (VOD)
Feel the Beat – Directed by Elissa Down (Netflix)
Queen of Lapa (Documentary) – Directed by Carolina Monnerat and Theodore Collatos (Virtual Cinemas)
Disclosure (Documentary) (Netflix)
Daddy Issues – Written and Directed by Laura Holliday (VOD)
Jack & Yaya (Documentary) – Directed by Jennifer Bagley and Mary Hewey (VOD)
Baby Mine (Short) – Written and Directed by Nour Wazzi (Omeleto)
My Darling Vivian (Documentary) (Virtual Cinemas)
Penguin (Amazon Prime)
The Short History of the Long Road – Written and Directed by Ani Simon-Kennedy (VOD)
My First and Last Film (Documentary) – Directed by Tracey Thomas (Virtual Cinemas)
Marona’s Fantastic Tale – Directed by Anca Damian; Written by Anca Damian and Anghel Damian (Virtual Cinemas)
My Father the Spy (Documentary) (VOD)
Hidden Orchard Mysteries: The Case of the Air B & B Robbery – Written by Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick and Brian Shackelford (VOD)
Driven – Written by Casey Dillard (VOD)
Shirley – Directed by Josephine Decker; Written by Sarah Gubbins (Hulu, Virtual Cinemas)
Judy & Punch – Written and Directed by Mirrah Foulkes (VOD)
A New Color: The Art of Being Edythe Boone (Documentary) – Directed by Marlene “Mo” Morris (VOD)
Advocate (Documentary) – Directed by Rachel Leah Jones and Philippe Bellaiche; Written by Rachel Leah Jones (VOD)
Born in Evin (Documentary) – Directed by Maryam Zaree (VOD)
The High Note – Directed by Nisha Ganatra; Written by Flora Greeson (VOD)
Papicha – Directed by Mounia Meddour; Written by Mounia Meddour and Fadette Drouard (Virtual Cinemas)
Ursula von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own (Documentary) (Virtual Cinemas)
The Price of Desire – Written and Directed by Mary McGuckian (VOD)
Feral – Written by Priscilla Kavanaugh, Jason Mendez, and Andrew Wonder (VOD)
On the Record (Documentary) – Directed by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick; Written by Amy Ziering, Sara Newens, and Kirby Dick (HBO Max)
Military Wives – Written by Rachel Tunnard and Rosanne Flynn (VOD)
Lucky Grandma – Directed by Sasie Sealy; Written by Sasie Sealy and Angela Cheng (Virtual Cinemas)
I Will Make You Mine – Written and Directed by Lynn Chen (VOD)
The Half of It – Written and Directed by Alice Wu (Netflix)
South Mountain – Written and Directed by Hilary Brougher (VOD)
The Assistant – Written and Directed by Kitty Green (VOD)
The Photograph – Written and Directed by Stella Meghie (VOD)
Selah and The Spades – Written and Directed by Tayarisha Poe (Amazon Prime)
Never Rarely Sometimes Always – Written and Directed by Eliza Hittman (VOD)
FILMS MADE BY WOMEN COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
Narrowsburg (Documentary) – Directed by Martha Shane
“Narrowsburg”
“Narrowsburg” tells the story of a French film producer and her mafioso-turned-actor husband who attempt to turn a tiny town into the “Sundance of the East.” Persuading the townspeople that they can become movie stars, the pair create a fever pitch of excitement, launching a film festival and shooting a gangster movie. As this stranger-than-fiction tale unspools, it becomes a meditation on the power of cinema, and the fine line between dreams and delusions.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Martha Shane.
“Narrowsburg” is available on VOD platforms including Amazon and iTunes.
Homemade (Shorts) – Directed by Rachel Morrison, Rungano Nyoni, Natalia Beristáin, Naomi Kawase, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Nadine Labaki and Khaled Mouzanar, Kristen Stewart, Gurinder Chadha, and Ana Lily Amirpour
“Homemade” is a collection of short films created by celebrated filmmakers around the world. Confined at home as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak, filmmakers created personal, moving stories that capture our shared experience of life in quarantine. “Homemade” is a celebration of the craftsmanship of filmmaking and the enduring power of creativity in the face of a global pandemic. Filmed using only equipment found at home, the stories range from intimate diaries of the filmmakers’ day-to-day life to short tales of fiction across multiple genres, offering a magnifying glass over how the lockdown impacted different countries and lives around the world.
“Homemade” will be available to stream on Netflix June 30.
Under the Riccione Sun – Written by Caterina Salvadori, Enrico Vanzina, and Ciro Zecca
While vacationing on the beaches of Riccione, a group of teens become friends and help each other manage romantic relationships and summer crushes.
Under the Riccione Sun will be available to stream on Netflix July 1.
FILMS MADE BY WOMEN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON STREAMING/VOD
“Mr. Jones”
Mr. Jones – Directed by Agnieszka Holland; Written by Andrea Chalupa (VOD)
Bully. Coward. Victim. The Story of Roy Cohn – Directed by Ivy Meeropol (HBO)
Dads (Documentary) – Directed by Bryce Dallas Howard (Apple TV+)
Father Soldier Son (Documentary) – Directed by Leslye Davis and Catrin Einhorn (Netflix)
The Dead and the Others (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Renée Nader Messora and João Salaviza (Mubi UK)
Yummy – Written by Eveline Hagenbeek and Lars Damoiseaux (Shudder)
Seahorse: The Dad Who Gave Birth (Documentary) – Directed by Jeanie Finlay (VOD)
The Etruscan Smile – Directed by Mihal Brezis and Oded Binnun; Written by Sarah Bellwood, Michal Lali Kagan, and Michael McGowan (VOD)
Vampire Dad – Directed by Frankie Ingrassia; Written by Frankie Ingrassia and Kathryn M. Moseley (VOD)
Parkland Rising (Documentary) – Directed by Cheryl Horner McDonough (Virtual Cinemas)
Searching Eva (Documentary) – Directed by Pia Hellenthal (VOD)
The Infiltrators (Documentary) – Directed by Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera (Virtual Cinemas, VOD)
The Roads Not Taken – Written and Directed by Sally Potter (VOD)
The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital (Documentary) – Directed by Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick and Brian Shackelford (VOD)
Graves Without a Name (Documentary) – Written by Agnès Sénémaud and Rithy Panh (VOD)
Bull – Directed by Annie Silverstein; Written by Annie Silverstein and Johnny McAllister (VOD)
TV PREMIERES
Gloria: A Life (Taped Theater Production) – Directed by Diane Paulus; Written by Emily Mann (Premieres June 26 on PBS)
“Gloria: A Life”: Joan Marcus
Great Performances presents the intimate theatrical production “Gloria: A Life” about Gloria Steinem, one of the most inspiring women of the feminist movement. Starring Christine Lahti, the play features an all-women cast playing both male and female roles. Act one focuses on Steinem’s life and path to activism. Act two consists of a “talking circle” with the audience to discuss the play’s themes, moderated by Gloria Steinem herself. This unique theatrical format offers a forum for Steinem’s philosophy on the necessity of conversation as a catalyst for change.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Christine Lahti.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark (Docuseries) (Premieres June 26 on HBO)
“I’ll Be Gone in the Dark”
What stands out most about “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark,” HBO’s docuseries based on Michelle McNamara’s 2018 best-selling true crime book of the same name, is that it honors the late author’s obsessive search for the serial rapist and murderer known as the Golden State Killer. That search was inspired by McNamara’s passion for telling the story of the victims, and helping them find justice. By reinserting the victims into the story and personalizing them, McNamara’s book — and the docuseries — bring their voices to the forefront, as well as a greater sense of urgency to the case. (Laura Berger)
Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 (Docuseries) – Directed by Megan Harding (Premieres June 26 on Disney+)
With the clock ticking and less than a year until the world premiere of “Frozen 2,” the creative team opens their doors to cameras for a 6-part series to reveal what it takes to create the #1 animated film of all time. For the first time, cameras capture the challenges and breakthroughs, the artistry and complexity of creating a Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film.
And She Could be Next (Two-Part Documentary) – Directed by Grace Lee and Marjan Safinia (Premieres June 29 and June 30 on PBS)
“And She Could Be Next”
“And She Could Be Next” tells the story of a defiant movement of women of color, transforming politics from the ground up. The series follows candidates and organizers across the country, asking whether democracy itself can be preserved—and made stronger—by those most marginalized. The series features history-makers including Rashida Tlaib and Stacey Abrams.
The Sommerdahl Murders – Created by Lolita Bellstar (Premieres June 29 on Acorn)
DCI Dan Sommerdahl (Peter Mygind) investigates murders in a lovely Danish coastal town with his best friend, Detective Flemming Torp (André Babikian), and his wife, Marianne (Laura Drasbæk), a criminal technician. But Dan’s years of devotion to the job have hurt his marriage, and with Marianne wanting a divorce, Dan discovers his rival for her affections is none other than his best friend. And they all must still work together to solve crimes.
Dark Girls 2 (Documentary) (Premieres June 30 on Oprah Winfrey Network)
“Dark Girls 2” adds to the conversation by now bringing about the possible healing of women of color around the issue of colorism. Director D. Channsin Berry brings this conversation to the forefront of everyday women, young adults and teens who are dealing with the pain and anguish of the bias and discrimination they experience based on the color of their skin. In a day and age where “dark skin” vs “light skin” shouldn’t be an issue, women share their deeply personal stories of how they have been affected throughout their lives and their ongoing journeys towards healing.
Warrior Nun (Premieres July 2 on Netflix)
Inspired by the Manga novels, “Warrior Nun” revolves around a 19 year-old woman (Alba Baptista) who wakes up in a morgue with a new lease on life and a divine artifact embedded in her back. She discovers she is now part of an ancient order that has been tasked with fighting demons on Earth, and powerful forces representing both heaven and hell want to find and control her.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK
Amanda Idoko: Franklin Leonardo Perez
Writer to Watch: Amanda Idoko of “Central Park” and “Breaking News in Yuba County”
Four Joan Micklin Silver Films Added to Cohen Media Group’s Cannes Virtual Market Slate
BBC Commits $124 Million to Diverse Productions and Talent
U.S. and U.K. Black and Brown Creatives Sign Open Letters to Respective Industries
“Transhood” Wins Big at AFI Docs Film Fest
Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” Crosses $100 Million at the International Box Office
Note: All descriptions are from press materials, unless otherwise noted.
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