NewFest: All We’ve Got
A fairly unpolished yet important documentary explores the decline in lesbian community spaces with a focus on the ones that are still thriving.
Interview with Neasa Hardiman, director of Sea Fever
Raquel Stecher interviews Neasa Hardiman, director of Sea Fever, a science fiction film that had its world premiere at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival.
TIFF: Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Céline Sciamma’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a mesmerizing and atmospheric lesbian love story. Highly recommended.
TIFF: Disco
Norwegian film follows a talented teenager plagued with problems who loses herself through her involvement in Christian cults.
TIFF: Pelican Blood
Set in the bucolic countryside of Germany, Pelican Blood tells the story of Wiebke, an adoptive mother and talented horse trainer. It’s at her horse camp there that she trains … Continue Reading TIFF: Pelican Blood
TIFF: Hope
Directed by Maria Sødahl and based on a true story, Hope is a heart-wrenching tale of a woman who must face her terminal cancer diagnosis and at the same time mend her broken relationship.
TIFF: Sea Fever
An enthralling sci-fi film from Irish filmmaker Neasa Hardiman. Feels both classic and brand new. Stays true to its story and doesn’t rely on splashy special effects to be thrilling.
Rafiki
Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Rafiki stars Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva as two young Kenyan women who fall in love and have to face the ramifications of their anti-LGBTQ culture. Available on DVD from Film Movement.
The Heiresses
The Heiresses is a quiet and spare lesbian drama. It will resonate with anyone who has settled into their ways and suddenly finds themselves having to reinvent their life.
Greta
Greta is a psychological thriller that had potential but instead of taking a deep dive it stays in the shallow end leaving viewers wanting more. Review sponsored by DVD Netflix.
The Fever and the Fret
The Fever and the Fret is a powerful anti-bullying tale that isn’t afraid to dive into the pain and the torment victims suffer and the feeling of helplessness as those who hold social power continue to victimize them.
SXSW: Qualified
ESPN documentary about race car driver Janet Guthrie, a marginalized figure in sports history. Her setbacks were so frustrating but her determination is awe-inspiring. A strong female role model for women of all ages.
SXSW: Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy
Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy is a charming documentary that allows its subject’s vibrant personality shine through. It ensures Diana Kennedy’s contributions to preserving Mexican food culture is appreciated for decades to come.
SXSW: Days of the Whale
Days of the Whale is a promising debut from a fresh new voice. It explores art as both expression and defiance and shines a spotlight on one of the lesser known urban communities of South America.
Period. End of Sentence.
The Pad Project empowers women in a rural town in India to create and sell their own sanity pads and overcome the stigma of menstruation.
Alright Now
Alright Now stars Cobie Smulders as a former rock star adjusting to life after her band breaks up. Improvised and shot in 5 days.