International Women's Day

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Sabrina Payne, Account Administrator

I saw this film twice on the big screen – cried both times, yes I am the woman sobbing in the screening – and now that I can watch it at home I’ll probably cry watching it again. What struck me most in this film was the thread of grief throughout which inevitably influenced the decisions of the main character, Shuri. Yet again, the cast, direction, production design, make-up and costume for this title all blend together for a gorgeously researched, believable, visceral world.

The Woman King

I’m recommending this film because it made me feel powerful and seen! Based on the historical epic events of the Agojie, a unit of warriors consisting of only women who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s, I found it refreshing to see not only parts of history that are not generally shown on the big screen, but also one woman’s emotional arc in coming to terms with a traumatic past event.

Happening

This is a beautifully shot film where you are completely shoved into this young woman’s head space. Though incredibly uncomfortable to watch I found myself identifying with this portrayal of a growing sense of desperation and feeling completely helpless. I chose to write about this film specifically for International Women’s Day because though this was set in France in the not so distant past of the 1960’s, I think this movie is relevant to the ongoing legislation battles of individuals not having freedoms of autonomy over their own bodies.

Amor Bayudan, Office Manager

Julie & Julia

Julie & Julia is a feel-good film that depicts a deep yet kind of naive approach to life. The story is about the lives of two women, generations apart, both passionate and wanting some zest in life… who find a way through their ambition and their love of food.

Meryl Streep is Julia Child (who published her own cookbook about French cuisine for 'American housewives who have no cooks') and Amy Adams is Julie Powell (a writer living in 21st Century New York who decides to make all the dishes in Julia's cookbook) in writer-director Nora Ephron's adaptation of two bestselling memoirs.

What is most interesting about the film is that it is somewhat extra-ordinary, a renaissance, the transition from decades ago to the modern world simply shows how one can achieve whatever one sets her mind to, no matter how many hurdles are along the way, and that shows how resilient women are. From just being mainly in the kitchen, we have come a long way.

Chelsie Wiltshire, Account Executive

She Said

She Said is an incredible, thought-provoking docudrama exploring the challenges of the journalists who fought to uncover the sexual allegations and the systemic cover up within Hollywood, which gave power to the ‘MeToo’ movement. This title is a perfect choice for International Women’s Day; with a female director and a stellar cast, the film brings forward the voices of the survivors in an emotional and passionate portrayal.

Hidden Figures

Hidden Figures is an inspiring and moving true story paying tribute to three pioneering Black women who played a central role at NASA during the space race. The powerful social message of this film showcases these women’s perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity and I would highly recommend this film as not only a celebration of women but also as an inspiration to all younger audiences.

Little Women

Director Greta Gerwig, brings a contemporary and new narrative to the adaption of the beloved novel, Little Women. Featuring outstanding performances from Saoirse Ronan as Jo and Florence Pugh as Amy March, this film is filled with an effervescent female spirit celebrating family and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood. I absolutely loved this film and admired the way it focused on the aspirations of women and their position in society, definitely a film fit for International Women’s Day.