FILMS ABOUT WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
The Glorias – Directed by Julie Taymor; Written by Julie Taymor and Sarah Ruhl
Journalist, fighter, and feminist Gloria Steinem is an indelible icon known for her world-shaping activism, guidance of the revolutionary women’s movement, and writing that has impacted generations. In this nontraditional biopic, Julie Taymor crafts a complex tapestry of one of the most inspirational and legendary figures of modern history, based on Steinem’s own memoir “My Life on the Road.” “The Glorias” traces Steinem’s (Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander, Lulu Wilson, Ryan Keira Armstrong) influential journey to prominence — from her time in India as a young woman, to the founding of Ms. magazine in New York, to her role in the rise of the women’s rights movement in the 1960s, to the historic 1977 National Women’s Conference and beyond.
“The Glorias” will be available on Amazon Prime and VOD September 30.
Misbehaviour – Directed by Philippa Lowthorpe; Written by Rebecca Frayn and Gaby Chiappe
“Misbehaviour”
In 1970, the Miss World competition took place in London, hosted by U.S. comedy legend Bob Hope (Greg Kinnear). At the time, Miss World was the most-watched TV show on the planet with over 100 million viewers. Claiming that beauty competitions demeaned women, the newly formed Women’s Liberation Movement achieved overnight fame by invading the stage and disrupting the live broadcast of the competition. Not only that, when the show resumed, the result caused uproar: the winner was not the Swedish favorite but Miss Grenada (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), the first Black woman to be crowned Miss World. In a matter of hours, a global audience had witnessed the patriarchy driven from the stage and the Western ideal of beauty turned on its head.
“Misbehaviour” is now available on VOD.
Kajillionaire – Written and Directed by Miranda July
“Kajillionaire”
Con-artists Theresa (Debra Winger) and Robert (Richard Jenkins) have spent 26 years training their only daughter, Old Dolio (Evan Rachel Wood), to swindle, scam, and steal at every opportunity. During a desperate, hastily conceived heist, they charm a stranger (Gina Rodriguez) into joining their next scam, only to have their entire world turned upside down.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Miranda July.
“Kajillionaire” is now in theaters.
On the Basis of Sex (Theatrical Re-Release) – Directed by Mimi Leder
“On the Basis of Sex”
“On the Basis of Sex” is a movie that takes place in the 1950s but, sadly, feels like it could be set yesterday or tomorrow. The early years of the now-notorious RBG are basically a superhero origin story without the flying. RBG (Felicity Jones) graduates at the top of her class at Columbia yet can’t get a job because she is a woman. Her husband, Marty (Armie Hammer), finds her a case that will allow her to challenge laws that discriminate against women. The movie is also a reminder that even Supreme Court Justices were at one time inexperienced, and there are some painful scenes where Ruth has to figure out how to argue a case. Those moments are inspirational. She changed the law, and she changed our world. (Melissa Silverstein)
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Mimi Leder.
In tribute to the late Justice Ginsburg, “On the Basis of Sex” is now back in theaters. The re-release’s net proceeds will go to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, which Ginsburg co-founded.
RBG (Documentary) (Theatrical Re-Release) – Directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West
“RBG”
When we asked Julie Cohen and Betsy West what they wanted audiences to think about after seeing “RBG,” they said, “How a single woman, if she’s smart enough and tough enough, can change the world. Aside from what they’re thinking, we also want people to walk out of the theater feeling energized.” Well, mission accomplished. Watching this documentary about Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life and work will not only boost your resolve to upend the whole damn system, it will motivate you to not skip planks during your next workout. There’s a reason “RBG” made such a mark a the box office: Bader Ginsburg was a total badass and she inspired other women to be, too. (Rachel Montpelier)
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Julie Cohen and Betsy West.
In tribute to the late Justice Ginsburg, “RBG” is now back in theaters. The re-release’s net proceeds will go to the ACLU Women’s Rights Project, which Ginsburg co-founded.
Ava
Ava (Jessica Chastain) is a deadly mercenary who works for a black ops organization, traveling the globe and specializing in high profile hits. Ava’s career takes a bad turn when a job goes wrong due to faulty information. With a botched hit — as well as a track record for questioning the validity of her targets — Ava is told to take a hiatus until the heat blows over, but secretly the head of the organization, Simon (Colin Farrell), has ordered a hit on her. With the recent death of her father, Ava decides to go back home to Boston and attempt to mend her relationship with her mother and sister, Judy (Jess Weixler), though the homecoming proves to be far from happy as the years of estrangement have created resentment. To complicate things further, Ava’s ex-fiancé, Michael (Common), is now in a relationship with Judy, and involved with an underground gambling ring that Ava knows all too well from her younger days. Ava now has to save her family and herself from multiple threats, while battling her own demons.
“Ava” is now in theaters, and available via virtual cinemas and VOD.
The Artist’s Wife – Written by Nicole Brending, Tom Dolby, and Abdi Nazemian
“The Artist’s Wife” tells the story of a once-promising painter, Claire (Lena Olin), who now lives in the shadow of her husband Richard’s (Bruce Dern) illustrious career. While preparing work for his final show, Richard’s moods become increasingly erratic, and he is diagnosed with dementia. Challenged by the loss of her world as she knew it, Claire must now decide whether to stand with Richard on the sidelines or step into the spotlight herself.
“The Artist’s Wife” is now in theaters and available on VOD. Find screening info here.
Secret Society of Second Born Royals – Directed by Anna Mastro
“Secret Society of Second Born Royals” follows Sam (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a teenage royal rebel second in line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria. Just as Sam’s disinterest in the royal way of life is at an all-time high, she discovers she has super-human abilities and is invited to join a secret society of similar extraordinary second-born royals charged with keeping the world safe. With guidance from their Secret Society instructor (Skylar Astin), Sam and a new class of royal recruits must first learn to harness their new powers at a top-secret training camp before they can save the world.
“Secret Society of Second Born Royals” is now available on Disney +.
Sno Babies – Directed by Bridget Smith
“Sno Babies”
A gripping and emotive tale, “Sno Babies” depicts the grim realities of addiction and its effects on a middle-class suburban town. Kristen (Katie Kelly) and Hannah (Paola Andino) are best friends — smart, likable, and college-bound — and also addicted to heroin. The pair of seemingly unlikely addicts spiral down a path of destruction, hiding their secret from well-meaning but busy parents behind pink bedrooms and school uniforms. “Sno Babies” shows how easy it can be to both miss and hide the signs of addiction behind the façade of “good” neighborhoods and pleasantly busy communities.
“Sno Babies” will be available on VOD September 29.
Ursula Von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own (Documentary)
“Ursula von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own”: Itinerant Pictures
“Ursula Von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own” is an artistic biography of one of the few women in the world working in monumental sculpture. Von Rydingsvard’s work has been featured in the Venice Biennale and is held in the collections of some of the world’s great museums, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. But she may be best-known for her staggering, triumphant body of work in public spaces — imposing pieces painstakingly crafted with complex surfaces. In this intimate documentary, we go behind the scenes with von Rydingsvard, as she and her collaborators — cutters, metal-smiths, and others — produce new work, including challenging commissions in copper and bronze. The film also delves into the artist’s personal life, and how it has shaped her work.
“Ursula Von Rydingsvard: Into Her Own” will be available on VOD September 29.
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Nancy Buirski
Nancy Buirski brings to the screen the magnificent and tragic story of Tanaquil Le Clercq. Of the great ballerinas, Le Clercq may have been the most transcendent, mesmerizing viewers and choreographers alike. Because of her extraordinary movement and unique personality on stage, she became a muse to two of the greatest choreographers in dance, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. She had love, fame, adoration, and was the foremost dancer of her day until it suddenly all stopped. At the age of 27, she was struck down by polio and paralyzed. She never danced again. The ballet world has been haunted by her story ever since.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Nancy Buirski.
“Afternoon of a Faun” will be available on OVID.tv September 29.
Invocation: Maya Deren (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Jo Ann Kaplan
Maya Deren is a legend of avant-garde cinema. This authoritative biography of the charismatic filmmaker, poet, and anthropologist features excerpts from her pioneering “Meshes of the Afternoon” and her unfinished documentary on Haiti, interviews with Stan Brakhage and Jonas Mekas, and recordings of her lectures.
“Invocation: Maya Deren” will be available on OVID.tv September 29.
Then Came You – Directed by Adriana Trigiani; Written by Kathie Lee Gifford
“Then Came You” stars Kathie Lee Gifford as a lonely widow who plans a trip around the world with her husband’s ashes, to visit the places they loved in the movies. During her first stop in Scotland, at the beautiful estate she stays in, she meets the innkeeper (Craig Ferguson), who changes her life forever.
“Then Came You” will have a one-night theatrical engagement September 30. It will be available on VOD October 2. Find screening info here.
Wives of the Skies (Short) – Written and Directed by Honey Lauren
“Wives of the Skies” is a romantic dramedy, set in 1965, following two stewardesses, Fran (Rachel Alig) and Marcy (Maddison Bullock) from Fine Air, a well-appointed airline. One evening after work, at their stewardess’ hotel, they befriend Derrick (Drew Brandon Jones), a British photojournalist who wants to interview them as “subjects” for his “documentary film.” As Fran and Marcy are interviewed, they are revealed as very different than Derrick hoped for or could possibly have expected.
“Wives of the Skies” will be available on VOD September 29.
FILMS MADE BY WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles (Documentary) – Directed by Laura Gabbert
“Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles”
Via London, Versailles, and Instagram, “Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles” follows famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi on his quest to bring the sumptuous art and decadence of Versailles to life in cake form at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He assembles a team — a veritable who’s who of the dessert world, including Dominique Ansel and Dinara Kasko — to help bring his vision to life. The pastry chefs create a true feast of Versailles complete with a cocktail whirlpool and posh jello shots, architectural mousse cakes, chocolate sculptures, swan pastries, and an edible garden. “Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles” perfectly captures the heights of human achievement and the frailty of decadence, adding taste as one more sense with which to experience the Met.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Laura Gabbert.
“Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles” is now in theaters and available on VOD. Find screening info here.
The Disrupted (Documentary) – Directed by Sarah Colt and Josh Gleason
What do a farmer in Kansas, a laid-off factory worker in Ohio, and an Uber driver in Florida have in common? All three are resourceful, positive thinkers who strive to adapt and thrive despite dehumanizing forces at play in the American economy. As “The Disrupted’s” heroes face these roadblocks with courage, certain ideals remain sacred: family, love, and staying strong in the face of adversity.
“The Disrupted” is now available via virtual theaters. It will be available on VOD October 13. Find screening info here.
Inez & Doug & Kira – Written and Directed by Julia Kots
“Inez & Doug & Kira” follows Doug (Michael Chernus), a tragic character who is in love with both his fiancée Kira (Talia Thiesfield), and her troubled twin sister Inez (Tawny Cypress). Throughout the film, Doug struggles to reconstruct Inez’s tragic downfall and, in the process, starts to lose grip on his own sanity.
“Inez & Doug & Kira” will be available on VOD September 29.
American Murder: The Family Next Door (Documentary) – Directed by Jenny Popplewell
In 2018, 34-year-old Shanann Watts and her two young daughters went missing in Frederick, Colorado. As heartbreaking details emerged, their story made headlines worldwide. Told entirely through archival footage that includes social media posts, law enforcement recordings, text messages, and never-before-seen home videos, director Jenny Popplewell pieces together an immersive and truthful examination of a police investigation and a disintegrating marriage.
“American Murder: The Family Next Door” will be available on Netflix September 30.
Billy the Kid (Documentary) (Re-Release) – Directed by Jennifer Venditti
A provocative coming-of-age story, “Billy the Kid” is an acclaimed odyssey into the soul of an American teenager. Jennifer Venditti follows Billy as he navigates small town Maine, grappling with isolation and first-time love, and traversing the frustrating gap between imagination and reality. Exhilarating and heartfelt, the film grants an intimate, empathetic view of an expressive and seemingly fearless outsider and provides an unvarnished and unique snapshot into what it’s like to grow up in America.
“Billy the Kid” will be available via virtual cinemas September 30. Find screening info here.
TV AND EPISODIC PREMIERES
Utopia – Created by Gillian Flynn (Premieres September 25 on Amazon Prime)
“Utopia”
A group of young adults, who meet online, get a hold of a cult underground graphic novel, which not only pins them as a target of a shadowy deep state organization, but also burdens them with the dangerous task of saving the world.
The Amber Ruffin Show (Variety Show) – Written by Amber Ruffin, Jenny Hagel, Shantira Jackson, Demi Adejuyigbe, and Dewayne Perkins (Premieres September 25 on Peacock)
Amber showcases her signature smart-and-silly take on the news of the week, responding to it all with a charming mix of seriousness, nonsense, and evening gowns.
Tehran – Created by Dana Eden, Maor Kohn, and Moshe Zonder (Premieres September 25 on Apple TV+)
“Tehran”
Tamar (Niv Sultan) is a Mossad hacker-agent who infiltrates Tehran under a false identity to help destroy Iran’s nuclear reactor. But when her mission fails and she’s trapped in a new life, Tamara must plan an operation that will place everyone dear to her in jeopardy.
The School Nurse Files – Created by Kyoung-mi Lee and Chung Se-rang (Premieres September 25 on Netflix)
Ahn Eun Young (Yu-mi Jung), a school nurse who has powers that allow her to chase ghosts, is appointed to a new high school where mysterious incidents take place.
Magical Girl Friendship Squad – Created by Kelsey Stephanides (Premieres September 26 on Syfy)
When a little red panda named Nut (Ana Gasteyer) arrives in the apartment of two directionless 20-somethings and gives them the ability to transform into badass magical girls, Alex (Quinta Brunson) and Daisy (Anna Akana) are forced to get their shit together in order to save the universe from otherworldly threats. Through a journey of love and friendship and with the help of their magical objects — birth control and a bong — Alex and Daisy learn to wield their new powers and protect their mysterious panda friend, who claims to be the creator of the universe.
Sands of Silence: Waves of Courage (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Chelo Alvarez-Stehle (Premieres September 27 on WORLD Channel)
“Sands of Silence: Waves of Courage” is Chelo Alvarez-Stehle’s documentary on international sexual exploitation and trafficking from Asia to the Americas. The director follows Virginia Isaias — a Mexican American woman whose past is engulfed in a cycle of sexual exploitation — as she transforms into an inspiring advocate committed to breaking that pattern. The filmmaker, who has worked to expose violence against women around the world, also pushes her sister to reveal her molestation as a girl in Spain.
The Expecting – Directed by Mary Harron (Premieres September 28 on Quibi)
When a down-on-her-luck waitress suffers disturbing effects from her pregnancy, she embarks on a dark journey to uncover the potential conspiracy surrounding it.
Michelle Buteau: Welcome to Buteaupia (Comedy Special) – Directed by Page Hurwitz (Premieres September 29 on Netflix)
“Michelle Buteau: Welcome To Buteaupia”:
Marcus Price/Netflix
Michelle Buteau, the scene-stealing queen of Netflix, delivers the night out we all need right now in her uproariously funny new special. Letting loose with a goblet of frosé in hand, she delivers a dynamic hour of comedy that delves into parenthood, cultural differences, and the overlooked value of short men. Her refreshingly honest approach reminds us to appreciate government workers named Otis and, most importantly, that character counts.
Good Morning, Verônica (Premieres October 1 on Netflix)
While hunting for a dating-site predator, an underused cop discovers a husband and wife with a horrific secret — and a web of conspiracy hiding it.
JOIN THE GIRLS CLUB FOR A CONVERSATION WITH JULIE TAYMOR
Julie Taymor will talk about her new film, the unconventional Gloria Steinem biopic “The Glorias,” at the next Girls Club event. It will take place Thursday, October 1, at 6 p.m. EST. The conversation is open to the public. Be sure to register in advance.
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. The Girls Club is offering a one-month membership free of charge when you sign up. If you identify as a woman and would like an invitation to this community, please email girlsclubnetwork@gmail.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK
ViacomCBS Developing 50 TV Movies by First-Time Women & BIPOC Directors with New Program
The Majority of NewFest LGBTQ+ Film Fest’s 2020 Lineup Is Directed by Women & Non-Binary Filmmakers
New RBG Doc from Freida Lee Mock Screening for Potential Buyers, Eyeing Pre-Election Release
Miranda July Talks “Kajillionaire,” Connection, and Creativity at the Latest Girls Club Event
Women Directors Sweep TIFF Audience Awards: “Nomadland,” “Inconvenient Indian,” & More
Black Actors Make History at the 2020 Emmy Awards
Reflecting on Relationships: VOD and Web Series Picks
Marielle Heller and Heidi Schreck Are Bringing “What the Constitution Means to Me” to Amazon
Digital Literary Marketplace Launched for Women Writers and Entertainment Professionals
Note: All descriptions are from press materials, unless otherwise noted.
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