Women in Film: 5 films to look out for
A scene from Little Women 2019. Story by: Greta GerwigThe Film industry has a history of not giving women a fair shot. Women, especially women of color often have to work harder to be seen and not invisible to their male counterparts. Out of 100 films in 2017-2018, only eleven films starred or co-starred a woman of color and it was also said that only 33.1% of films featured women in a nonspeaking or speaking role. In 2019, women in film behind the scenes made an all-time high, with 33% of women being directors and 32% being writers. But besides not being recognized, many women in the film industry have come forward to say that they have been sexually assaulted while filming a movie or that they were not paid the same amount as their male colleagues, something which a lot of women did not find out until after filming. There are people who recognize this as an issue, like #Ask4more and the #MeToo movement that brings attention to equal pay and sexual assault among women. There have also been many actresses who have stood up for themselves and their women colleagues. Here is a list of five upcoming films that are run by women, whether it is having an all-female cast, starring women of color, or directed/written by women.
A classic story that started out as a book by Louisa May Alcott. Little woman, is a story about four sisters who are living during and after the Civil War. These four sisters are trying to find their place in the world, going through love and heartbreak and dealing with disappointment. Little Women is a remake of the 1994 film that was directed by Gillian Armstrong, but on Christmas Day you can see Greta Gerwig’s (who directed and wrote Ladybird and Frances Ha) adaption of this timeless story, starring Emma Waston, Saorise Ronan, Florence Rugh and Eliza Scanlen as the four sisters. You can watch Little Women in theaters on December 25th.
Harriet is directed and Co-Written by Kasi Lemmons. It follows the untold story of Harriet Tubman, her journey to her own freedom, and after her own liberation, her return to the south in order to free other slaves. Her bravery impacted thousands as she continued to fight for liberation. It is through this movie that her strength and bravery is showcased, her journey through dangerous missions and the underground railroad. It's a movie where you’ll be inspired by the courage Harriet Tubman had. You can watch Harriet on November 1st, 2019 in select theaters.
Greener Grass follows two friends named Jill and Lisa who start to have issues in their friendship when Jill gives Lisa her newborn baby but then wants it back. A thriller/comedy directed and written by Jocelyn Debuer and Dawn Lobee is a movie where kids somehow turn into golden retrievers and adults wear braces on their already straight teeth. A killer becomes loose, and somehow someone ends up being pregnant with a soccer ball. It is bizarre but in the best way. You can watch Greener Grass on October 18th in select theaters and then for a limited time on online streaming services.
Originally a television series in the 1970s and then a movie series in the 2000s, director and co-writer, Elizabeth Banks has taken on the role of remaking this classic story of Charile’s Angels. Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska, they take on the role of The Angels. They are some of the strongest women in the world. With music from Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus. You can watch Charlie’s Angels in theaters on November 1st, 2019
Judy Garland is an icon. She raised her fame by starring in the timeless film, The Wizard of Oz. But this movie takes place decades after, when Judy is in her final years of life. She is a mother to three children, battling serious addiction, and decides to perform shows in London. At this time, she also meets her new husband Mickey Deans, who got married to Judy Garland in her final year. Renee Zellweger stars in this movie after years of not being in front of the camera, a role that is already getting Oscar buzz. You can watch Judy in theaters on September 27th.
Liyah Garcia is an essay writer and poet from Northern California. She likes painting, art history, rainy days, and loves to explore the world.