See Jane Salon: Kris Rey on representation of pregnancy on film and her own journey as a mother
Recently I attended a member event of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, as part of their “See Jane Salon” series, which enables GDIGM CEO Madeline Di Nonno to share the organization’s latest findings on representation on screens both big and small. The Chicago event was sponsored by Full Spectrum Features and the […]
Why was ‘Thelma & Louise’ such an impactful film? Jennifer Townsend’s documentary explores why
I recently spoke with Townsend over the phone about how she created this fascinating documentary and how things have changed for women in film since “Thelma & Louise” came out in 1991.
‘A League of Their Own’ Issue Cover Artist: Gabrielle Riscanevo
Our cover artist for Cinema Femme’s fourth issue, “A League of Their Own” edition, is Gabrielle Riscanevo. I first came across artist Gabrielle Riscanevo‘s work when she posted in the Facebook Group Freelancing Females. I was drawn to her work because it reminded me of the Art Nouveau style that was popular in the late […]
Two sets of rules
When men participate, it’s an event. When women participate, it’s a show. In video games, male characters wear full suits of armor; female characters wear metal bikinis. In comic books and superhero movies, men wear tactical suits and are featured in fight scenes; women wear outfits designed to show off their breasts and are featured posing in impossible yoga positions. In sports, boys play the game; girls play the game too but they have to do it while wearing a skirt and looking pretty. It doesn’t seem to matter what the actual activity is—there seems to always be a double standard when it comes to men’s and women’s activities.
Sisters, doing it for themselves
Everybody loves an underdog story, and everybody loves a sports story. “A League of Their Own” (1992) is a combination of both genres. The underdog is this case is the average American woman left behind as the ravages of World War II has stripped the country of its fit and healthy young men.
Dr. Caroline Heldman on #MeToo and representation
During my trip in Los Angeles, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Caroline Heldman, research director at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, associate professor of politics at Occidental College, and executive director of The Representation Project.
Sister-Sister
Siblings can be the most enduring relationships you have in your life. They know you before significant others come along. They know life with your parents and life after your parents die. They know you before major successes and failures. It is for these reasons that the relationship between siblings is emotional and complex. I grew up with an older brother, a younger sister, and a younger brother and know all too well that while siblings know how to raise each other up, we also know how to cut each other deeply where it hurts.
‘A League of Their Own’: The hero is the sidekick
I rooted for Kit, and even though I realized I really wanted the sisters to make up at the end, Marshall gave me that underdog I could not take my eyes off, one I would cheer for till the end credits. On this rare occasion, this underdog is a woman!
Cinema Femme Women’s History Month/Sexual Assault Awareness Month Issue — Editor’s Letter
If you’re not having a good time, find something else that gives you some joy in life. —Penny Marshall (October 15, 1943–December 17, 2018) When there is a passion inside you, you can’t deny it. When there is a dream and a passion inside you that you achingly want to exist, you will do everything […]