First-Time Female Filmmaker Contest Winners
Women and Hollywood has selected the winners and runners up of its First-Time Female Filmmaker Contest, an initiative designed to help build a pipeline of women directors.
Winner — NY
“ILE O Curta”
Directed by Vanessa Coscia
A transsexual child, with all the support of their parents, will face their grandmother’s and society’s prejudice to show their desire to be accepted for who they are.
Runner Up — NY
“Q.U.E.E.N.”
Directed by Brittany Fennell
“Q.U.E.E.N.” tells the story of a teenage girl with a troubled past who uses writing as her muse to say all the things she is too afraid to say. Through self-discovery and a little bit of courage, Imani faces her biggest fear at a rap battle.
“ILE O Curta” and “Q.U.E.E.N.” screened at Women and Hollywood’s 10th anniversary event in New York on October 17.
Winner — LA
“O Florescer Da Voz”
Directed by Jaime Leigh Gianopoulos
“O Florescer Da Voz” is a short documentary uncovering the story of Anastasia. A slave brought to Brazil from Africa. Exploring two modern day women becoming powerful references for the next generation of women. Using the voice as a tool for social transformation, and women’s empowerment.
Runner Up — LA
“Prudence”
Directed by Angela Jude
“Prudence” is about a dishonorably discharged World War II nurse, stricken by grief and crippling dementia. Who seeks out her beloved to dance with one last time.
“O Florescer Da Voz” and “Prudence” screened at the anniversary event in LA on October 25.
Winner—London
“Annie Waits”
Directed by Marnie Paxton-Harris
We’ve all waited for “the one,” the one who catches our eye, the one who keeps our interest, the one who won’t expect us to trudge down that conventional path. “Annie Waits” tells the story of lust and disappointment as a twenty-something waits for her adult life to begin.
Runner Up—London
“Present”
Directed by Meg Campbell
With her sister slowly succumbing to early-onset Alzheimer’s, Beth struggles to balance her responsibilities as a carer and a mother, whilst dealing with her own fear of developing the genetic disease.
“Annie Waits” and “Present” screened at the anniversary event in London on November 27.