Weekly Update for May 15: Women Centric, Directed, and Written Films You Can Watch from Home

Due to the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent restrictions, Women and Hollywood is shifting its focus to online content. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

(Please keep in mind that these dates are subject to change.)

FILMS ABOUT WOMEN COMING TO STREAMING/VOD

Alice – Written and Directed by Josephine Mackerras

Alice (Emilie Piponnier) is the perfect wife and mother, living with her husband Francois (Martin Swabey) and their son in an apartment in Paris. One day, however, Alice’s credit cards are declined, and she discovers that Francois has left them completely bankrupt due to a secret addiction to high-end escorts. When Francois suddenly disappears, Alice is left to fend for herself and their son. She soon learns that the bank will foreclose on their home in just a few weeks. With no one to turn to, Alice visits Francois’ escort service in the hopes of finding a way to quickly make some cash. At first reluctant in her new profession, Alice soon begins to thrive, gaining both financial independence and a sense of empowerment that she has never felt before. But when Francois shows up at their doorstep, Alice is forced to reconcile between the life they had shared and the one she has built for herself.

“Alice” is now screening via virtual cinemas.

Buffaloed – Directed by Tanya Wexler

“Buffaloed”

This film is hysterical and original — it’s quite refreshing. Zoey Deutch plays Peg, a young woman who is always in search of a scam. She’s brilliant, broke, and parlays her intellect and street-smarts into a couple of dubious ventures in her hometown of Buffalo, NY. I don’t want to give too much away, but “Buffaloed” is a great, wild ride. Every time I thought that a turn wouldn’t work, it did. The film is an unexpected joy. Deutch’s go-for-broke performance is especially impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing what she does next. She’s got the goods. (Melissa Silverstein)

“Buffaloed” will be available on VOD platforms May 19.

Seberg – Written by Anna Waterhouse and Joe Shrapnel

“Seberg”

“Seberg” is inspired by true events about French New Wave darling and “Breathless” star Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart), who in the late 1960s was targeted by the FBI because of her support of the civil rights movement and romantic involvement with Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie), among others. In this noir-ish thriller, Seberg’s life and career are destroyed by J. Edgar Hoover’s overreaching surveillance and harassment in an effort to suppress and discredit Seberg’s activism.

“Seberg” is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Fourteen

Mara and Jo, in their 20s, have been close friends since middle school. Jo (Norma Kuhling), the more outgoing figure, is a social worker who runs through a series of brief but intense relationships. Mara (Tallie Medel), a less splashy personality than Jo, bounces among teacher aide jobs while trying to land a position in elementary education, and writes fiction in her spare time. It soon becomes apparent that Jo, despite her intellectual gifts, is unreliable in her professional life, losing and acquiring jobs at a troubling rate. Substance abuse may be responsible for Jo’s instability — but some observers suspect a deeper problem. Over the course of a decade, the more stable Mara sometimes tries to help, sometimes backs away to preserve herself, but never leaves behind her powerful childhood connection with Jo.

“Fourteen” is now screening via virtual cinemas.

Tingle Monsters (Short) – Written and Directed by Alexandra Serio

An ASMR vlogger (Alexandra Serio) with a devoted fan base returns from an extended absence with a livestream that spirals out of control.

“Tingle Monster” will be available online May 20.

FILMS ABOUT WOMEN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON STREAMING/VOD

“Yeva”

FILMS MADE BY WOMEN COMING TO STREAMING/VOD

Ovid and the Art of Love – Written and Directed by Esmé von Hoffman

“Ovid and the Art of Love”

Set centuries apart but in the same place, “Ovid and the Art of Love” tells the story of the renowned Roman poet Ovid (Corbin Bleu), whose comic verses and permissive lifestyle provoked the brutal Emperor Augustus’ (John Savage) ire. As Ovid and the emperor’s granddaughter — thrown together by fate — race to escape execution, Ovid’s story asks: In a world of unrest, is love the most radical act of all? Bringing together togas, high-tops, oration, poetry slams, and hip-hop, this film tells a timely story about power, pleasure, and politics.

“Ovid and the Art of Love” will be available on VOD platforms May 19.

The Dalai Lama: Scientist (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Dawn Gifford Engle

Eighty-five years ago, a little boy was born in a remote corner of Tibet. One day, miraculously, he was discovered to be the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama, and he was soon carried away to the city of Lhasa to become the political and religious leader of the vast kingdom of Tibet. But the little boy had a secret, locked inside his heart. In “The Dalai Lama: Scientist,” the Dalai Lama tells the unknown story, in his own words, of his lifelong journey into the world of science and technology, and how the world has changed as a result. With extensive, rare, and never-before-seen footage, this film tells the very human story of the Dalai Lama that no one knows.

“The Dalai Lama: Scientist” will be available on VOD platforms May 19.

Tokyo Godfathers – Written by Keiko Nobumoto and Satoshi Kon

In modern-day Tokyo, three homeless people’s lives are changed forever when they discover a baby girl at a garbage dump on Christmas Eve. As the New Year fast approaches, these three forgotten members of society band together to solve the mystery of the abandoned child and the fate of her parents. Along the way, encounters with seemingly unrelated events and people force them to confront their own haunted pasts, as they learn to face their future, together.

“Tokyo Godfathers” will be available on VOD platforms May 19.

I Love You, Stupid – Directed by Laura Mañá

After Marcos (Quim Gutiérrez) is dumped by his girlfriend, he attempts to reinvent himself as a modern man with the help of a childhood friend and an online guru.

“I Love You, Stupid” is now streaming on Netflix.

FILMS MADE BY WOMEN CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON STREAMING/VOD

“Circus of Books”

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)
The Traitor – Written by Valia Santella, Ludovica Rampoldi, Marco Bellocchio, and Francesco Piccolo (VOD)
Fantasy Island – Written by Jillian Jacobs, Jeff Wadlow, and Christopher Roach (VOD)
The Legion – Written by Carmen Ballesteros, Pedro Santamaría, Alberto Vázquez Figueroa, and C.J. Wells (VOD)
Bull – Directed by Annie Silverstein; Written by Annie Silverstein and Johnny McAllister (VOD)
The Infiltrators (Documentary) – Directed by Cristina Ibarra and Alex Rivera (Virtual Cinemas)
Ordinary Love – Directed by Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (VOD)
The Flood – Written by Helen Kingston (VOD)
Pahokee (Documentary) – Directed by Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan (Virtual Cinemas)
Circus of Books (Documentary) – Directed by Rachel Mason (Netflix)
Pot Luck (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Jane Wells (VOD)
Abe – Written by Lameece Isaaq and Jacob Kader (VOD)
Other Music (Documentary) – Directed by Puloma Basu and Rob Hatch-Miller (Virtual Cinemas)
L’Innocente (Re-Release) – Written by Suso Cecchi D’Amico, Luchino Visconti, and Enrico Medioli (Film Forum)

TV PREMIERES

Band Ladies (Web Series) – Directed by Molly Flood (Available Now on Highball TV)

“Band Ladies” is a darkly comedic digital original series about an uptight homemaker, a disillusioned lawyer, a desperate artist, an infertile millionaire, and a love-sick flake, who turn their monthly Book Club into a Punk Band, and come alive when they finally come clean about their own regrets. As the Band Ladies get in touch with their rage and power, they discover true friendship and an inner strength no one knew they had, not even themselves.

The Great (Premieres May 15 on Hulu)

“The Great”

“The Great” tells the story of woman who won’t let sexism or her hilariously incompetent husband stand in the way of her destiny. Billed as “an occasionally true story,” the Hulu series depicts the triumphs and tribulations of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning), an outsider who becomes the longest reigning female ruler in Russia’s history. “The Great” is far less concerned with historical accuracy than entertaining audiences, and it certainly delivers on that front. Those with a distaste for the self-seriousness and pomp and circumstance of period dramas will welcome “The Great’s” irreverent dialogue and fast pacing. The dark comedy is merciless, and shares much in common with creator Tony McNamara’s Oscar-nominated screenplay for “The Favourite,” another period story with bite. But “The Great” is also a coming-of-age story about an ambitious young woman who seizes power from someone incapable of recognizing her as a threat. (Laura Berger)

White Lines (Premieres May 15 on Netflix)

Zoe Walker (Laura Haddock) leaves her quiet life behind to investigate her brother’s disappearance in Ibiza, where she quickly heads down a decadent and dangerous path.

Inhuman Resources – Written by Perrine Margaine and Pierre Lemaitre (Premieres May 15 on Netflix)

Alain Delambre (Eric Cantona) is a senior executive worn out and humiliated by six years of unemployment. So when a prestigious company selects him as a candidate, he is prepared to betray his wife, steal from his daughters, hit his son-in-law, and even take part in a role-playing game in the form of a hostage-taking scenario, knowing that, if he is hired, all will be forgiven. But nothing will go as planned.

The Queen and the Conqueror (Premieres May 16 on Netflix)

Years after Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia (Emmanuel Esparza) betrayed her people and broke her heart, Indigenous woman Catalina (Essined Aponte) re-enters his life to get revenge.

Hightown – Created by Rebecca Perry Cutter (Premieres May 17 on Starz)

“Hightown”

Set in the world of beautiful but bleak Cape Cod, one woman’s (Monica Raymund) journey to sobriety is overshadowed by a murder investigation dragging her into its fold.

Taylor Swift: City of Lover Concert (Concert Special) (Premieres May 17 on ABC)

Filmed last September at L’Olympia Theater in Paris, France, Taylor Swift performs songs from her award-winning album “Lover” to an intimate crowd of fans from 37 countries, traveling to the City of Love for this once-in-a-lifetime concert. The musical event gives fans unprecedented access to behind-the-scenes moments with the artist and marks her only concert performance this year, after her Lover Fest tour was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dead Still – Directed by Imogen Murphy and Craig David Wallace; Written by Imogen Murphy and John Morton (Premieres May 18 on Acorn TV)

Set in 1880s Ireland in the Victorian era heyday of postmortem photography, the six-episode period drama follows a renowned memorial photographer (Michael Smiley) who is drawn into a series of apparent murders which appear to be linked to his work.

St. Louis Superman (Short Documentary) – Directed by Smriti Mundhra and Sami Khan (Premieres May 18 on MTV and VH1)

Bruce Franks, Jr., is a 34-year-old battle rapper, Ferguson activist, and state representative from St. Louis, Missouri. Known as Superman to his constituents, he is a political figure the likes of which you’ve never seen — full of contradictions and deep insights, who has overcome unspeakable loss to become one of the most exciting and unapologetic young leaders in the country. This short verité documentary follows Bruce at a critical juncture in his life, when he is forced to deal with the mental trauma he’s been carrying for the nearly 30 years since his nine-year-old brother was shot and killed in front of him, in order to find peace and truly fulfill his destiny as a leader for his community.

Stargirl (Premieres May 19 on The CW)

“Stargirl”

High school sophomore Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger) discovers a powerful cosmic staff, and after learning that her step-father used to be a hero sidekick, becomes the inspiration for a new generation of superheroes.

Sweet Magnolias – Created by Sheryl J. Anderson (Premieres May 19 on Netflix)

“Sweet Magnolias” centers on three South Carolina women, best friends since high school, as they shepherd each other through the complexities of romance, career, and family.

Frontline: Inside Italy’s COVID War (Documentary Special) – Directed by Sasha Joelle Achilli (Premieres May 19 on PBS)

“Frontline” goes inside a hospital battling the coronavirus crisis in northern Italy, as doctors are forced to make life and death decisions. An intimate, exclusive story that follows one besieged ER doctor, Francesca Mangiatordi, her staff, and the patients suffering from COVID-19, from the darkest days to the signs of hope.

Blood & Water – Created and Written by Nosipho Dumisa (Premieres May 20 on Netflix)

“Blood & Water”

“Blood & Water” follows the exploits of 16-year-old Puleng Khumalo (Ama Qamata), as she engineers her transfer to the prestigious Parkhurst College to investigate the cold case of the abducted-at-birth older sister she’s never met.

THE GIRLS CLUB IS OFFERING THE FIRST MONTH FREE

Founded by Women and Hollywood publisher and founder Melissa Silverstein, the Girls Club is a community for women creatives, culture-changers, and storytellers to connect, create, network, advocate, support, and redefine entertainment.

These are trying times. We realize that COVID-19 is affecting the health, safety, and livelihood of many folks in the industry, and want to offer a space for folks to come together amidst all of the uncertainty. With that goal in mind, the Girls Club is offering the first month free to those who sign up.

If you identify as a woman and would like an invitation to this community, please email girlsclubnetwork@gmail.com and let us know a bit about who you are and what you do.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK

Renee Tajima-Peña: Claudio Rocha

The Story of the Red Rose Crew Rowers Is Headed to the Big Screen, Alexis Ostrander to Direct
Director Nadia Hallgren Talks About “Becoming” a Part of Michelle Obama’s Life
Rita Coburn to Direct Doc About Trailblazing Opera Singer Marian Anderson for PBS
Survey: Underrepresented TV Writers Face Discrimination at Twice the Rate of Overrepresented Scribes
Agnès Varda’s Complete Filmography to Be Released as Criterion Collection Box Set in August
The Story of the 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Is Coming to Netflix
Guest Post: A Recovering Angry Asian Girl Celebrates Trailblazers in PBS’ “Asian Americans”
Human Rights Watch Film Fest Announces Digital UK Lineup, 78% of Titles Are Women-Directed
Apply Now: Women and Hollywood Editorial Fellowship

Note: All descriptions are from press materials, unless otherwise noted.

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