FILMS ABOUT WOMEN OPENING
Widows – Written by Gillian Flynn and Steve McQueen
Viola Davis leads “Widows,” a heist thriller about a group of women who share little in common besides the fact that their late husbands were co-workers. When their spouses die in a job gone wrong, they inherit a huge debt — their husbands were criminals, and they owed a lot of money to dangerous people. Money that the women are expected to pay back — or die trying to. With no other option and the threat of a bullet in her head, Veronica (Davis) resolves to clean up the mess she’s found herself in. Her husband left her the plans for a job, and she’s convinced that she and the other widows (Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki) have a shot of pulling the robbery off if they can band together. “Widows” grapples with race, corruption, sexism, domestic abuse, and so much more. It’s a wonderful showcase for its star-studded cast and evidence that popcorn thrillers don’t have to be mindless entertainment. Each scene is layered, and it’s a joy — and terror — to watch the story unfold. (Laura Berger)
Find screening info here.
Under the Wire (Documentary)
“Under the Wire”: Paul Conroy/The Sunday Times
In February of 2012, war correspondent Marie Colvin illegally crossed the border into Syria with her photographer, Paul Conroy. Ignoring the government’s refusal to allow foreign journalists into the country, the two were among the first to attempt to cover the story of civilians trapped in the besieged city of Homs, where they found a ravaged war zone that only one of them would ultimately survive. Grippingly recounting their moment-by-moment journey into Homs, “Under the Wire” is a chilling tribute to the courageous bravery that led Colvin and Conroy to their final mission together. (Press materials)
Find screening info here.
Mobile Homes
A young mother (Imogen Poots) drifts from one motel to the next with her intoxicated boyfriend and her eight-year-old son. The makeshift family scrapes by, living one hustle at a time, until the discovery of a mobile home community offers an alternative life. (Press materials)
Family in Transition (Documentary) (Opens in LA; Opens in NY November 23)
“Family in Transition”
The story of the only family in Nahariya, a small traditional town in Israel, whose lives change completely after their father announces that he’s transitioning to become a woman. Their mother chooses to stay with her spouse through the whole process but, just as it seems that life is back to normal, she takes a sharp turn and shakes everything up again. This is a story about a family that does not follow dictates; a family that breaks social conventions; a family that changes what we thought we knew about gender, parity, parenthood, and being transgender. But most of all, it is a story about a family that redefines the limits of recognition, acceptance, and love of those closest to us. (Press materials)
Les Rendez-Vous d’Anna (40th Anniversary Re-Release) – Written and Directed by Chantal Akerman (One Week Only in NY)
“Les Rendez-Vous d’Anna”
While on a promotional tour through northern Europe for her latest film, a Belgian director (Aurore Clément) passes through a series of encounters — sexual, personal, impersonal — but all the while remains profoundly alone. Cinema’s most profound chronicler of restless alienation, Chantal Akerman trains her hypnotically static camera on a parade of liminal spaces — from hotel rooms to railway stations to train cars — to craft a quietly devastating, tour-de-force exploration of displacement and sexual longing. (Press materials)
Find screening info here.
55 Steps (Also Available on VOD)
“55 Steps”
“55 Steps” is the life affirming true story of an unexpected friendship forming during a fight for patients’ rights against seemingly impossible odds. When Eleanor Riese (Helena Bonham Carter) discovers that the medication she is being given at St. Mary’s Psychiatric Hospital in San Francisco is damaging her physically, she hires patients’ rights lawyer Colette Hughes (Hilary Swank). With the help of expert attorney Mort Cohen (Jeffrey Tambor), the two try to defeat St. Mary’s in court while the indefatigable Eleanor and Collette become best of friends; a friendship where the colorful psychiatric patient Eleanor teaches the work-obsessed Colette a thing or two about life itself. (Press materials)
Anchor and Hope – Written by Jules Nurrish and Carlos Marques-Marcet (Available on VOD November 20)
“Anchor and Hope”
In their mid-30s, Eva (Oona Chaplin) and Kat (Natalia Tena) have a fun and carefree simple life in their London canal boat until Eva, inspired by her exceptional mother Germaine (Geraldine Chaplin), presents Kat with an ultimatum: she wants a child. Kat resists, knowing that it will end the bohemian lifestyle that she’s always envisioned with Eva. When Kat’s best friend, Roger (David Verdaguer), drops in from Barcelona, the three of them toy around with the idea of creating a baby together. Kat sees no other way out but to say yes. As the three begin to look forward as one family, their differing expectations of intimacy and responsibility put a heavy strain on their relationship and threatens to rip the three apart. (Press materials)
Madness, Farewell (Also Available on VOD)
“Madness, Farewell”
The holidays have arrived in Los Angeles and fledgling comedian Liza Ocampo (Charlene deGuzman) is determined to commit suicide, only she can’t seem to pull the trigger herself so she hires a newly legalized “hitman firm” to do the dirty work for her. But when she arrives for her date with death, she finds the appointment has been double booked. (Press materials)
The Princess Switch – Written by Robin Bernheim and Megan Metzger (Available on Netflix)
One week before Christmas, Margaret, the gorgeous Duchess of Montenaro (Vanessa Hudgens), switches places with Stacy (also Hudgens), a “commoner” from Chicago, who looks exactly like her. With the assistance of a magical Santa’s helper, Margaret falls in love with Stacy’s handsome co-worker, while Stacy falls in love with Margaret’s fiancé, the dashing Prince. (Press materials)
Cam – Written by Isa Mazzei (Available on Netflix)
“Cam” is a technology-driven psychological thriller set in the world of webcam porn. It follows Alice (Madeline Brewer), an ambitious camgirl, who one day discovers she’s been replaced on her show with an exact replica of herself. As this copy begins to push the boundaries of Alice’s internet identity, the control that Alice has over her life, and the men in it, vanishes. While she struggles to regain what she’s lost, she slowly finds herself drawn back to her show and to the mysterious person who has taken her place. (Press materials)
FILMS MADE BY WOMEN OPENING
“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald”
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Written by J.K. Rowling
In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s (Johnny Depp) plans of raising pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided world. (Press materials)
Find screening info here.
At Eternity’s Gate – Written by Louise Kugelberg, Jean-Claude Carriere, and Julian Schnabel
“At Eternity’s Gate”
“At Eternity’s Gate” is a journey inside the world and mind of a person who, despite skepticism, ridicule, and illness, created some of the world’s most beloved and stunning works of art. This is not a forensic biography, but rather scenes based on Vincent van Gogh’s (Willem Dafoe) letters, common agreement about events in his life that present as facts, hearsay, and moments that are just plain invented. (Press materials)
Find screening info here.
Heart, Baby! – Written and Directed by Angela Shelton (Opens in NY; Opens in LA November 23)
In the 1970s George Lee Martin (Gbenga Akinnagbe) was sentenced to 40 years in prison for armed robbery. At just barely 18 years old he was sent to one of the toughest, most violent prisons in Tennessee. Inside, George took up boxing as a release and soon proved unbeatable, knocking out up to six guys a day. He became the star of the prison’s Friday Night Fights where the wardens would share their best fighters across Tennessee. In 1984 the U.S. Olympic team offered George the ultimate opportunity, his freedom in exchange for a place on the Olympic team to win gold for his country. George refused to go. “Heart, Baby!” tells the remarkable true story of George Lee Martin, and why he turned down freedom, fame, and glory for something far bigger. (Press materials)
Find screening info here.
Bali: Beats of Paradise (Documentary) – Directed by Livi Zheng
Featuring Grammy-winning artist Judith Hill (“20 Feet From Stardom”) and Indonesian composer Nyoman Wenten, “Bali: Beats of Paradise” pulls back the curtain on Gamelan music. (Press materials)
Speed Kills – Directed by Jodi Scurfield (Also Available on VOD)
John Travolta stars as a speedboat racing champion and multi-millionaire whose secret life as a drug trafficker lands him in a deadly crossfire between the DEA and the mob. (Press materials)
TV PREMIERES
“The Bisexual”: Sister Pictures
The Bisexual – Directed by Desiree Akhavan; Written by Desiree Akhavan and Cecilia Frugiuele (Premieres November 16 on Hulu)
After splitting with her posh long-term girlfriend, Leila (Desiree Akhavan) is forced to move in with stranger and has-been novelist Gabe (Brian Gleeson). Their worlds collide in deeply awkward and revealing ways as he becomes her unlikely wingman, helping her to navigate her new life dating men as well as women. (Press materials)
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power – Created by Noelle Stevenson (Premieres November 16 on Netflix)
“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”: Netflix
“She-Ra and the Princesses of Power” is the story of an orphan named Adora (Aimee Carrero), who leaves behind her former life in the evil Horde when she discovers a magic sword that transforms her into the mythical warrior princess She-Ra. Along the way, she finds a new family in the Rebellion as she unites a group of magical princesses in the ultimate fight against evil. (Press materials)
Holly Hobbie – Written by Courtney Jane Walker and Cole Bastedo (Premieres November 16 on Hulu)
Holly Hobbie (Ruby Jay) might appear to be just a young farm girl living in small-town U.S.A, but on the inside, she’s a hero for our time. Now that Holly’s hit her teens, helping others is more complicated than it looks. From saving her grandma’s café, to supporting her bestie and navigating young love, Holly may save the world someday, but she’s going to start with her own small town. (Press materials)
My Brilliant Friend – Written by Elena Ferrante, Laura Paolucci, Saverio Costanzo, and Francesco Piccolo (Premieres November 18 on HBO)
“My Brilliant Friend”: HBO
When the most important friend in her life seems to have disappeared without a trace, Elena Greco, a now-elderly woman immersed in a house full of books, turns on her computer and starts writing the story of their friendship. She met Raffaella Cerullo, whom she has always called Lila, in the first year of primary school in 1950. Set in a dangerous and fascinating Naples, their story goes on to cover more than 60 years of their lives as she tries to describe the mystery of Lila, Elena’s brilliant friend and — in a way — her best friend, and her worst enemy. (Press materials)
Queen America – Created by Meaghan Oppenheimer (Premieres November 18 on Facebook Watch)
“Queen America”: Boris Martin
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, “Queen America” is a dark comedy about Vicki Ellis (Catherine Zeta-Jones), the most renowned — and ruthless — pageant coach in the state, and the hapless Samantha Stone (Belle Shouse), who hopes Vicki can mold her into a worthwhile contender for the title of Miss America. Vicki is desperately sought after by young women competing to be Miss America for one reason: she can turn any girl into a winner. But when she gets paired with the beautiful but unpolished Samantha, Vicki’s entire reputation might be at stake. (Press materials)
The Little Drummer Girl (Miniseries) (Premieres November 19 on AMC)
“The Little Drummer Girl”: Jonathan Olley/AMC/Ink Factory
Based on John le Carré’s best-selling literary masterpiece, “The Little Drummer Girl” weaves a suspenseful and explosive story of espionage and high-stakes international intrigue. Set in the late 1970s, the pulsating thriller follows Charlie (Florence Pugh), a fiery actress and idealist whose resolve is tested after she meets the mysterious Becker (Alexander Skarsgård) while on holiday in Greece. It quickly becomes apparent that his intentions are not what they seem, and her encounter with him entangles her in a complex plot devised by the spy mastermind Kurtz (Michael Shannon). Charlie takes on the role of a lifetime as a double agent while remaining uncertain of her own loyalties. (Press materials)
The Judge (Documentary) – Directed by Erika Cohn (Premieres November 19 on PBS)
“The Judge”
“The Judge” provides rare insight into Shari’a law (Islamic law), an often misunderstood legal framework for Muslims, told through the eyes of the first woman judge to be appointed to the Middle East’s religious courts. The film intimately portrays Judge Kholoud Al-Faqih’s trials and tribulations in achieving justice for women within the Shari’a courts of the West Bank, detailing in verité courtroom drama the resistance that she and her male counterpart, a progressive Sheik, face daily. (Press materials)
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Erika Cohn.
Moroni for President (Documentary) – Directed by Saila Huusko and Jasper Rischen (Premieres November 20 on PBS)
Every four years, the Navajo tribe elects its president, whom many consider the most powerful Native American in the country. “Moroni for President” centers on Moroni Benally, an underdog candidate with radical ideas, whose homespun campaign originated out of frustration about the lack of progress in the reservation where he grew up. As the election unfolds, the film delves into Moroni’s layered identity as a Mormon and gay Navajo man and, along the way, expands to include other LGBTQ characters working on some of the other campaigns. Simultaneously a behind-the-scenes look into a political campaign within a Native American community and an exploration of identities within said community, “Moroni for President” is an eye-opening and humorous portrait of a political race that runs surprisingly parallel to the current political landscape of the U.S. at large. (Press materials)
VOD/STREAMING RELEASES
“Skate Kitchen”
Crazy Rich Asians – Written by Adele Lim and Peter Chiarelli (VOD, November 20)
Dog Days – Written by Elissa Matsueda and Erica Oyama (VOD, November 20)
Skate Kitchen – Directed by Crystal Moselle; Written by Crystal Moselle, Jen Silverman, and Aslihan Unaldi (VOD, November 20)
PICKS OF THE WEEK FROM WOMEN AND HOLLYWOOD
JJ Neepin is among the Story & Leadership participants: WIDC
Lisa Donato’s Trans Drama “Gossamer Folds” Begins Production, Alexandra Grey Starring
Melissa V. Murray to Make Feature Debut with “We Real Cool,” Effie Brown Producing
Women In the Director’s Chair Announces 2018 Story & Leadership Participants
LGBTQ Vampire Novel “The Gilda Stories” Coming to TV with Cheryl Dunye as Showrunner
Cynthia López Is NY Women in Film & Television’s New Executive Director
“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Insecure,” and “SMILF” Among Recipients of ReFrame’s Inaugural TV Stamp
Gucci Tribeca Doc Fund’s 2018 Grants Go to Six Women-Directed Projects
Ita O’Brien Is Transforming the Way Film, TV, and Theater Handle Sex Scenes
Nominees for 2019 Cinema Eye Honors Revealed: “Shirkers,” “Free Solo,” & More
Inaugural Class of Female Cinematographers Announced for Fox’s DP Lab
Follow Women and Hollywood on Twitter @WomenaHollywood and Melissa Silverstein @melsil.
To contact Women and Hollywood, email melissa@womenandhollywood.com.
