BRATTLEBORO — Following are descriptions of the films that will be screened during the Women's Film Festival, as provided to The Commons by the festival organizers.
Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil Le Clercq
2013 • Nancy Buirski • 91 min • US • Doc
Of all the great ballerinas, Tanaquil Le Clercq may have been the most transcendent - mesmerizing viewers and choreographers alike. But, at the age of 27, she was struck down by polio and paralyzed. She never danced again. The ballet world has been haunted by her story ever since.
American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs
2014 • Grace Lee • 86min • US • Doc
Grace Lee Boggs, 98, is a Chinese American philosopher, writer, and activist in Detroit with a thick FBI file and a surprising vision of what an American revolution can be. Rooted for 75 years in the labor, civil rights and Black Power movements, she challenges a new generation to throw off old assumptions, think creatively and redefine revolution for our times.
Another Dress, Another Button
2012 • Lyn Eliot • 3min • USA • Short
The spare buttons are forever waiting for someone to use them...time to go for a little spin.
Bastards
2014 • Deborah Perkin • 80 min • Morocco • Doc
Bastards follows an illiterate young woman who took on tradition, her own family, and the Moroccan justice system, for the sake of her illegitimate child – a gripping, moving and uplifting documentary from the cutting edge of Islam.
Born to Fly: Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity
2014 • Catherine Gund • 82min • USA • Documentary
Elizabeth Streb vs. Gravity takes us on an exhilarating journey with choreographer Elizabeth Streb - pushing the boundaries between action and art and daring us to join her and her dancers in pursuit of human flight.
Brave Miss World
2014 • Cecilia Peck • 88 min • Israel • Documentary
Linor Abargil was abducted, stabbed, and raped in Milan, Italy, at age 18. Six weeks later, she had to represent her country in the Miss World competition, which she won. The film explores her journey from teenage rape victim to Miss World to empowered lawyer and activist.
Breastmilk
2013 • Dana Ben-Ari • 91 min • US • Doc
With unexpected humor, with an unflinching camera, with some guilt and some pain, this film takes the unusual risk of examining what breast milk truly means.
Chica's Day
2014 • Susan Béjar • 10min • Short Drama
Today is a girls' day out, everything is allowed... But don't forget that this is just a game…
Come Worry With Us
2013 • Helene Klodawsky • 81 min • Canada • Documentary
When Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra members Jessica Moss and Efrim Menuck welcomed their son to the world, and to their by-necessity nomadic lives, the old pressures of financial insecurity, artistic integrity and life-work balance are joined by the new challenge of raising a family. and Jessica's realization that she has fallen into the traditional role of mother. Award-winning filmmaker Helene Klodawsky follows the band on the road as these pressures begin to mount, producing an honest, beautifully shot profile.
E Haku Inoa
2013 • Christen Hepuakoa Marquez • 60 min • US • Doc
A young Native Hawaiian woman, filmmaker Christen Hepuakoa Marquez, sets out to discover the meaning of her lengthy Hawaiian name from her estranged mother whose diagnosis as schizophrenic in the 80's caused their family separation. She discovers not only herself within the name, but gains a new perspective on the idea of sanity and how cultural differences can sometimes muddle its definition.
Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me
2013 • Chiemi Karasawa • 81min • US • Documentary
In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait released a year before her death at age 89, ferociously funny and uncompromising Broadway legend Elaine Stritch is revealed both on and off stage.
Fabulous Fashionistas
2012 • Sue Bourne • 65min • England • Documentary
Meet six women with an average age of 80, who are determined to look fabulous, have fun and redefine old age. Sue Bourne explores the art of aging in the company of these extraordinary women - what they all have in common is a determination to squeeze the pips out of life. To keep going. To look fabulous. To have fun.
Given Your History
2014 • Molly McGlynn • 15 min • Canada • Short Drama
Two sisters struggle to move on with their lives after the death of their mother from breast cancer.
A Good Match
2014 • Lyn Eliot • 13min • US • Short Comedy
Ann has moved on from her ex-boyfriend Alex. However, there's still one person she just can't seem to let go: Alex's mom, Carol.
Half the Road
2014 • Kathryn Bertine • 112min • US • Documentary
A documentary that explores the world of women's professional cycling, focusing on both the love of sport and the pressing issues of inequality that modern-day female riders face in a male dominated sport. With footage from some of the world's best UCI races to interviews with Olympians, World Champions, rookies, coaches, managers, officials, doctors and family members, Half the Road offers a unique insight to the drive, dedication, and passion it takes for a female cyclist to thrive.
Hannah and the Moon
2012 • Kate Charter • 6 min • UK • Short Fantasy
Hannah's mom is always busy so when the night comes, Hannah talks to the moon, until one night when the moon doesn't appear.
Heartbeat
2014 • Andrea Dorfman • 93 min • Canada • Feature Comedy/Drama
Justine hasn't played her guitar since stage fright forced her to give up her dream of becoming a musician. Now, accustomed to avoiding challenge and excitement, Justine is stuck. What will it take for her to step into the world of the unexpected and rediscover her strong and vital heartbeat.
Holiday at the Seaside
2013 • Cristina Grosan • 16 min • Hungary/Romania • Short Drama
Amalia, a girl of thirteen, gets her first period one day before leaving for the seaside with her family. Having a distant relationship with her parents, she decides to take care of this sensitive issue on her own. But her parents have a secret of their own.
I Am Not A Weird Person
2014 • Molly McGlynn • 5 min • Canada • Short
A short film about Emmy, who is trying to find the courage to leave the safety of her apartment because she's in desperate need of toothpaste.
I See You
2013 • Sylvelin Måkestad • 81min • USA • Documentary
A film about Rena, a young blind girl, and her journey from early teens to adulthood. She leads us through her world that is often lined with biases and limitations of other people's notions of what a blind person can and can not do. Rena's greatest wish is not to be able to see. It is to be seen by the rest of us as the person she is, and not just as blind.
Kiosk
2013 • Anete Melece • 7min • US • Animated Short
For years now, the kiosk has been Olga's little home simply because her sweet tooth and monotonous life has made her bigger than the exit. To distract herself, she reads travel magazines and dreams of being far away. An absurd incident starts the beginning of her journey.
Lady Parts
2014 • Emily Fraser & Katherine Gorringe • 6min • US • Short
In an industry dominated by men, Lady Parts Automotive brings a woman's touch.
Last Woman Standing
2013 • Juliet Lammers • 88min • Canada • Documentary
In 2012, the Olympic Games included women's boxing for the first time in history. But only three weight categories were admitted – 51kg, 60kg and 75kg. Women boxers all over the world were forced to move up or down in weight. For two of the world's best fighters, both from Canada, this meant the end of a friendship and the beginning of a fierce rivalry. Last Woman Standing follows world champion boxers and former friends, Ariane Fortin and Mary Spencer, as they fight for an Olympic dream that can belong to only one.
Let's Ruin It with Babies
2014 • Kestrin Pantera • 80min • US • Comedy
Channing has it all: a beautiful home, a rock star lifestyle, and a loving husband intent on ruining it all by knocking her up.
Life on the Line
2013 • Jen Gilomen and Sally Rubin • 30min • US/Mexico • Documentary
This documentary follows a year in the life of Kimberly and her family, exposing the challenges of immigration and the U.S./Mexico border through the eyes of one child.
Light Fly, Fly High
2013 • Susann Østigaard and Beathe Hofseth • 80min • India • Documentary
As a young Indian girl born outside caste, Thulasi is trying to box her way out of poverty, but the struggle for an independent life is hardest outside the ring. Light Fly, Fly High is a beautifully shot, gripping and inspirational story of a courageous young woman who refuses to be anyone's victim and ends up a hero of her own making against all odds.
Lucky
2013 • Laura Checkoway • 75min • US • Documentary
Masked in tattoos and armed with an indomitable spirit, Lucky Torres has forged a path all her own. Despite being homeless, unemployed, and a single mother, the compelling Lucky still dreams of true love and success. This intimate survival story delves deep into the fringes of NYC to reveal a life etched in wounds, longing, resilience and dreams. Journalist Laura Checkoway spent more than six years following Lucky and has captured an experience rarely depicted on screen.
Maria of Many
2013 • Alexandra Liveris • 4 min • US • Short
Meet María - Mexican immigrant, domestic worker, committed mom and activist.
Marussia
2013 • Eva Pervolovici • 83min • France • Drama
Lucia and her six-year-old daughter Marussia have been constantly on the move since they came from Moscow to Paris, searching for a place to spend the night, for a place to call home, running from each other and finally finding each other.
Miss Todd
2013 • Kristina Yee • 14min • France • Short Animation
In 1910 New York, a woman had a dream: to fly. Miss Todd, our heroine, works to understand the principles of flight, as people all over the world were doing, but she has more than gravity holding her down. In this beautiful, animated, stop-motion musical, Miss Todd's plight and adventure soar out of her forgotten presence in aviation history.
My Stolen Revolution
2013 • Nahid Persson • 75min • Sweden • Documentary
As a student, the director managed to flee revolutionary Iran - many who stayed behind did not survive. When there are renewed protests in Teheran 30 years later, she goes looking for some of the other survivors who fled. An emotional, very personal documentary.
Odd Brodsky
2013 • Cindy Baer • 93min • USA • Comedy
A quirky comedy about a lovable loser who quits her steady day job to follow a childhood passion of becoming an actress. There's just one problem: she's not very good at it! But what she lacks in talent, she makes up for in heart. It's a wacky little adventure about following your dreams, learning to accept yourself, and finding the magic in life.
The Optimists
2013 • Gunhild Magnor • 92min • Norway • Documentary
A moving, humorous and absorbing documentary film about an extraordinary volleyball team consisting of women between 66 and 98 who haven't played a match for 30 years. Now this is exactly the plan. But against whom? Rumors say there is a group of handsome Swedish gentlemen across the border...
Out in the Night
2014 • Blair Doroshwalther • 75min • USA • Documentary
Under the lights of the gay-friendly West Village neighborhood of New York City, four young African-American lesbians are attacked by a man. They defend themselves, and then face slanderous media coverage and egregious sentences as they are charged and convicted as a “Lesbian Gang.”
Papusza
2013 • Joanna Kos • 131min • Poland • Historical Drama
An exquisitely shot black and white film about the rise and fall of the most distinguished Polish-Gypsy poetess Bronislawa Wajs, widely known as Papusza, and her relationship with her discoverer, writer Jerzy Ficowski.
The Punk Singer
2013 • Sini Anderson • 82min • USA • Documentary
Kathleen Hanna, lead singer of the punk band Bikini Kill and dance-punk trio Le Tigre, rose to national attention as the reluctant but never shy voice of the riot grrrl movement. She became one of the most famously outspoken feminist icons - her critics wished she would just shut-up, and her fans hoped she never would. So in 2005, when Hanna stopped shouting, many wondered why. The Punk Singer takes viewers on a fascinating tour of contemporary music and offers a never-before-seen view into the life of this fearless leader.
Rebel Menopause
2014 • Adele Tulli • 26 min • UK • Short Documentary
An intimate portrait of a strong independent feminist who has witnessed the gradual emancipation of women. Now a pillar of support in her community, 85-year-old Terese is savoring every moment of living, and being a liberated woman.
Rubai
2013 • Louise Ni Fhiannachta • 12min • Ireland • Short Drama/Comedy
The first Holy Communion is fast approaching and eight-year-old Rúbaí flatly refuses to be a part of it. She's an atheist and proud of it, but faces emotional blackmail, religious and philosophical debate, and overt intolerance in today's supposedly diverse and modern Ireland.
She's Beautiful When She's Angry
2014 • Mary Dore • 92min • USA • Documentary
Resurrects the buried history of the outrageous, often brilliant women who founded the modern women's movement from 1966 to 1971. It takes us from the founding of NOW, with ladies in hats and gloves, to the emergence of more radical factions of women's liberation. Artfully combining dramatizations, performance and archival imagery, the film recounts the stories of women who fought for their own equality, and in the process created a world-wide revolution.
Shoes
2013 • Molly McGlynn • 4min • Canada • Short
A short film about the life of an ordinary pair of shoes as told through the life of one particular woman.
Small, Small Thing
2013 • Jessica Vale • 83min • USA • Documentary
Caught between tribalism and democracy, A Liberian mother is at odds with her country after the rape of her 7-year-old daughter. This film is an intricate web of corruption, adventure and hope.
Strings Attached
2014 • Nelcie Souffrant • 19min • Short Drama
A teenage girl from Harlem struggles with obeying her mother's wishes and risks in the relationship they have in order to play the violin.
The Supreme Price
2014 • Joanna Lipper • 75min • USA • Documentary
The remarkable story of Hafsat Abiola, daughter of human rights heroine Kudirat Abiola, and Nigeria's President-elect M.K.O. Abiola. Following the annulment of her father's victory in Nigeria's Presidential Election and her mother's assassination by agents of the military dictatorship, Hafsat Abiola faces the challenge of transforming a corrupt culture of governance into a democracy capable of serving Nigeria's most marginalized population: women.
Tru Love
2013 • Kate Johnston, Shauna MacDonald • 94min • USA • Romance
Tru cannot commit to a relationship or a job for long. She gets by on her wits, considerable good looks and charm. Then she meets Alice, sparks fly and Alice and Tru begin forging an unlikely friendship and more...building to an explosive climax.
Viva
2013 • Amanda Bluglass • 8 min • UK • Short Documentary
A heart-warming portrait of rebellion, spirit and joie-de-vivre. Britain's oldest punk, great-grandmother Viva Hamnell, age 82, reflects on her life in Cornwall's first punk band.
Wild & Precious
2013 • Cusi Cram • 18 min • US • Short Drama/Comedy
In this dark comedy, a family's dysfunction and buried affections are slowly revealed over the course of an afternoon before a funeral.
A Winning Girl
2014 • Kimberlee Bassford • 69min • USA • Documentary
Winning follows the four-year journey of this Hawaiian female teenage judo and wrestling phenomenon and her family, telling the dynamic story of an elite athlete on her ascent, a girl facing the challenges of growing up and an entire family dedicated to a single dream.