With our fifth issue, the Comedy issue, we wanted to honor and celebrate iconic films and TV shows that have changed the face of comedy. There has been so many strong, hilarious, and female-led films that have come out recently, including “Booksmart,” “Family,” “Being Frank,” “Sword of Trust,” “The Farewell,” “About A Donkey,” “Knives and Skin,” “Someone’s Great,” and “Greener Grass.” These films are not just about one-liners and slapstick—they are relatable and heartfelt and so different from one another in style, story, and humor. 

For this issue’s cover, we chose a film that also embodies these characteristics: Amy Heckelring’s “Clueless” (1995). With its wit and strong characters, it has become as timeless as its source material, “Emma” by Jane Austen. “Clueless” has inspired and influenced pop culture for decades, from its fashion to its teen language (with gems like “Whatever, “As if,” “Total Betty”, and “She’s a full-on monet”). Chicago-based illustrator Tavi Veraldi illustrated our cover, inspired by Brittany Murphy’s character Tai. Thank you, Tavi!

Our Comedy issue also features personal essays about other influential comedies, including “Legally Blonde” (2001), “Girls Trip” (2017), the American version of the TV show “The Office” (2005–2013), “Bridesmaids” (2011), “Family” (2018), and “Booksmart” (2019). I’m so excited for you to read these essays by writers Jaylan Salah, Marjorie H. Morgan, Amy Renee Wasney, Alyse McGuigan, Kana Felix, and Danielle Acton.

We will also be featuring interviews with women in comedy who are making a big impact in the industry and creating outstanding work, including Miranda Bailey, Christina Raia, Sam Dee, Jennifer Reeder, Katherine O’Brien, Miranda Tapsell, Patti Vasquez, Kelly O’Sullivan, Layne Marie Williams, Emily Lape, and Namakula Mu.

As we head into summer, I’d also like to give a shout-out to some people who’ve helped us get to where we are today. Cinema Femme launched in November 2018, less than a year ago, and we’ve grown

into a supportive, global community of passionate people that want to talk about their favorite films and TV, impact film culture, and get more female-directed, -produced, -written, and -focused films to the forefront.

Thank you to our Cinema Femme team. To name a few: Alison Marcotte, our editor, website designer, and content marketer; Danielle Acton, our social media and business development coordinator; Jennifer Jenkins, our designer; Laurine Cornuéjols, our Issue 1, 2, and 3 cover illustrator; Gabrielle Riscanevo, our Issue 4 cover illustrator, and Pamela Powell, our film critic who has interviewed some of the top women in the industry.

I also want to give a shout-out to some of our supporters, including Michael Smith and Jillian McKeown, Josie Davis, Dr. Caroline Heldman, Lisa Stran, Jeff Broitman, Elizabeth Jolls Giese, Katy Osborn, Meryl Goldsmith, Susie and Patrice Francois, Kimberly Hoyos, Laura Vogel, Chicago Feminist Film Festival, The Cherry Picks, Brian Hieggelke, the Wolf family, Chaz Ebert, Laura Moss, Kathi DeLapena, Jill Manuel, Mel McSherry, my parents, and my partner Matt Fagerholm. Also a shout-out to the Gene Siskel Film Center, Music Box Theatre, Revolution Brewery, WeWork Fulton Market, and LG’s Bar for hosting our past events.

I hope you enjoy our Comedy issue. Cheers!