Chosen “Family”
There is nothing that is considered normal. These are the words that I repeated to myself throughout middle school. In recent years, we have had a sea of coming-of-age stories … Continue reading Chosen “Family”
Essays & Interviews
Emily Lape brings a rawness to filmmaking and the acting process with “Mercy’s Girl”
Emily Lape, where do I start? Our relationship seems to be serendipitous. I was introduced to Emily by a filmmaker friend, Michael Glover Smith, who told me that Emily would … Continue reading Emily Lape brings a rawness to filmmaking and the acting process with “Mercy’s Girl”
‘Maiden’: How an all-women sailing team fought sexism and made history
“Maiden” (2019) is the harrowing true tale of how Skipper Tracy Edwards pushed against the acceptable gender tides of racing in 1989–1990 and then changed the boat racing world and … Continue reading ‘Maiden’: How an all-women sailing team fought sexism and made history
“Girls Trip” – A Dose of Black Girl Magic
When one discusses female comedy films, invariably “Bridesmaids” (2011) and “Mean Girls” (2004) are mentioned. This is not it. “Girls Trip” (2017) is new and different. There is the usual … Continue reading “Girls Trip” – A Dose of Black Girl Magic
Comedy duo Alyse McGuigan and Kana Felix are bringing dynamic female characters to the stage and screen
Chicago-based comedians (and writers for Cinema Femme magazine) Alyse McGuigan and Kana Felix have been passionate about comedy since grade school. “I was very shy growing up. I was always … Continue reading Comedy duo Alyse McGuigan and Kana Felix are bringing dynamic female characters to the stage and screen
Why was “Thelma & Louise” such an impactful film? Jennifer Townsend’s documentary explores why
When Jennifer Townsend first saw “Thelma & Louise” (1991) when it came out in theaters, she was blown away. “It made a huge dent in my life,” she said. “In … Continue reading Why was “Thelma & Louise” such an impactful film? Jennifer Townsend’s documentary explores why
“Clueless” broke down barriers and paved the way for today’s comedies
I was talking with a male friend of mine, who worked as an actor, and he gave me a strange remark regarding comedy scenes with women. “It’s hard for me … Continue reading “Clueless” broke down barriers and paved the way for today’s comedies
Kelly O’Sullivan’s debut script “Saint Frances” brings an authentic look into womanhood
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly O’Sullivan shortly after her film “Saint Frances” opened at the Chicago Critics Film Festival at the Music Box Theatre this May. O’Sullivan wrote … Continue reading Kelly O’Sullivan’s debut script “Saint Frances” brings an authentic look into womanhood
Patti Vasquez brings representation onstage and behind the mic
Patti Vasquez is a renaissance woman: She’s the host of “The Patti Vasquez Show” on Chicago’s WGN Radio, a stand-up comedian, and the founder of With Kind Words, a consulting … Continue reading Patti Vasquez brings representation onstage and behind the mic
Comedy Issue Cover Artist: Tavi Veraldi
Tavi Veraldi is talented Chicago-based illustrator, film buff, and overall stellar person. With her edgy, comic-book style, horror-inspired art, and pop art look, Tavi’s style is distinctive and reminds me … Continue reading Comedy Issue Cover Artist: Tavi Veraldi
A cult classic is in our midst with Jennifer Reeder’s teen noir “Knives and Skin”
In April, I spoke with director Jennifer Reeder about her film “Knives and Skin,” which had its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival and its US premiere at … Continue reading A cult classic is in our midst with Jennifer Reeder’s teen noir “Knives and Skin”
The Women of Tribeca
Film festivals afford you an opportunity to meet filmmakers from all over the world who are involved in the industry in many different capacities. And this year, at the 2019 … Continue reading The Women of Tribeca
