Movies made by WOMEN for WOMEN
Author: Sumona Chetia
Following the death of George Floyd, a black man at the hands of a white policeman in The United States, massive protests against institutional racism rose to attention. The impact was such that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the introduction of new initiatives to address diversity and inclusion objectives within the filmmaking industry. The proposed new rules constructed to offer more importance and recognition to people of colour and, women are all set to open up a new chapter of education and advocation of all strands of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood and the Global Film Industry.
With this shining ray of hope, let’s take a look at these awesome five movies by and about women. No spoilers ahead, for sure!
1) Mulan- Niki Caro
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brought Mulan (the epic tale of a brave heart Chinese female warrior Hua Mulan) to life on the big screen. This Disney production is the projection of a righteous, fearless, and empowered Chinese maiden taking herself to the forefront of a battlefield to save her father.
A must watch for your young daughters.
2) Lady Bird- Greta Gerwig
A coming of age drama for teenage daughters and their mothers directed by the fantastic Greta Gerwig is a delight to watch. Lady Bird is a story of anguish and love surrounding the delicate relationship between a rebellious teenager and a passionate mother.
Greta Gerwig’s second solo directorial venture, “Little Women” adapted from the classic novel of the same name, is another name to include in this list.
3) Chhapaak- Meghna Gulzar
Chhapaak is the sound of stamping your feet on a muddy water puddle but, in this Bollywood movie, it refers to the sound of acid splashed across someone’s face. Inspired by the true events in acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal’s life, Chhapaak by Meghna Gulzar is a recreation with a few embellishments but leaves room for facts to face up-front.
4) Misbehaviour- Phillipa Lowthorpe
In 1970, the grand stage that celebrated beauty witnessed the crowning of the world’s first black Miss World moments after being invaded by Women’s Liberation protestors. The feminist protestors took the stage by storm to bring in a wave of change. Now the story of that night is being retold by Phillipa Lowthorpe in Misbehaviour, inspired by the memoir of Jennifer Hosten, who won the beauty pageant and made history.
5) Panga- Ashwini Iyer Tiwari
Panga is a Bollywood sports drama by Ashwini Iyer Tiwari. It follows the story of a former Kabaddi player and, now a working woman trying to make a comeback to the Kabaddi ground with the support of her husband and her son. Male allies in gender advocacy, indeed!
This list falls short in many ways. You are welcome to jot down a few more movies made by women and not necessarily for women in the comments section.
