I may be writing this post in my underwear with a fan blowing in my face in my sweltering LA apartment…..but FALL IS HERE! In an attempt to get myself inspired and geared up for the new season, I decided to take a look at some upcoming (and a few current) movie releases by women writers and directors. Here are some films I’m excited about:
1. Wadjda
The story of a young girl living in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia who challenges social conventions when she attempts to raise enough money to purchase a bike in order to beat a neighborhood boy in a race.
I can not wait to see this film! Not only does it look like a heartwarming story about a plucky heroine, but it was written and directed by the first Saudi female director, Haifaa al-Mansour. It is also the first feature-length film to be shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. Wow!
Opens September 13 in NY and LA
Website: http://sonyclassics.com/wadjda/
2. Carrie
A retelling of the best-selling Stephen King novel. We all remember the 1976 film adaptation directed by Brian de Palma and starring Sissy Spacek: Take one outcast young girl, add her religious zealot mother, mix in some telekinetic powers and a prom, and voila…..a horror classic!
I’m not always a fan of reboots, but I’m excited to see director, Kimberly Peirce’s (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop-Loss) take on the story! This is big-budget release for Fall, and it’s great to see a woman at the helm. Not to mention, it has a great cast with Julianne Moore and Chloe Grace Moretz.
Opens October 18
Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/carrie/
3. Ass Backwards
A road trip comedy about two lifelong friends who have a chance to redeem themselves from their unsuccessful child pageant days when they are invited back home for a 50th Anniversary pageant event.
This movie was written by and stars funny ladies, Casey Wilson (Happy Endings) and June Diane Raphael (Burning Love). I’ve read reviews that compare this film to both Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion and Dumb and Dumber, and I’m all for it! I love comedies where the female leads get to be the over the top, crass, silly characters (versus just being characters who react to the male over the top, crass, and silly characters). Also, I love that this movie is about two women who love each other and root each other on (however hilariously misguided) instead of being in competition with one another.
Available on Video on Demand September 30th, Opens in theaters November 8th
4. In A World
A vocal coach (who’s the daughter of a famous movie trailer voice actor) navigates her way through the male-dominated world of Hollywood voiceovers in pursuit of her dreams.
Okay, this movie was technically a late Summer release, but it’s too good not to include on this list. Lake Bell (Children’s Hospital) won the 2013 Sundance screenwriting award for the script and also directed and stars in the film! A heartfelt comedy about family, Hollywood, and female empowerment? Yes, Please!
Now Playing. This film was released theatrically on August 9th, but it is still playing in some theaters. Check out the film’s website for information about show times and future video release dates! http://inaworldmovie.com
5. First Comes Love
Filmmaker, Nina Davenport chronicles her decision to have a child as a single woman in her forties.
I was sick over Labor Day weekend and caught this documentary almost by accident on HBO. It had such a great impact on me, I added it to this list. First Comes Love is structured around filmmaker, Nina Davenport’s journey to motherhood, but it is ultimately also about family, community, and being an artist and a woman in the 21st century.
Now playing on HBO GO. Check out the film’s website for information on future showings and video release dates. http://firstcomeslovemovie.com
So those are just a few of the movies that I’m looking forward to watching (or re-watching as the case may be) this fall. Some other current and upcoming releases by female writers and directors include: Adore, The Lifeguard, Afternoon Delight, Enough Said, A Teacher, and Serena. If you have films you would like to add to this list, please post them in the comment section below. As women in the entertainment industry, it is so important for us to support each other’s work. Let’s get a dialogue going about what movies are out there!