Film Fatales, the largest global organization of established women feature film and television directors, is heading into SXSW with seven feature films in the lineup. Film Fatales will also host a panel discussion “Female Gaze: Alternative Fact or Actual Movement” with panelists Amy Adrion (Half the Picture), Nijla Mu’min (Jinn), Suzi Yoonessi (Unvlovable) moderated by Leena Pendharkar.
The organization will also continue its 5th anniversary celebration by hosting a Female Filmmaker Meetup during the festival. Says founder Leah Meyerhoff, “What began as a dinner party in New York five years ago has expanded into a community of hundreds of women directors who meet up monthly in a dozen cities around the world. Through a grassroots approach, we are shifting the gender ratio behind the camera and changing the landscape of storytelling.”
Amid growing calls for gender parity, equal pay and increased visibility for women in Hollywood, Film Fatales has become a vital network for women filmmakers seeking the support and resources needed to further their careers. “I’m so proud to be among this group of women who are defying the odds, telling their stories and supporting one another, day in and day out, with practical help and meaningful encouragement along the way,” says Amy Adrion, whose film Half The Picture will be screening in the Festival Favorites section of SXSW. “In making a film you have to have sustained commitment to something that only exists in your mind and heart, which can be difficult, especially given the naysaying of an industry that’s still unsure what to make of women’s voices. Film Fatales has been a place of renewal along that journey and I’m excited to be at SXSW with so many other women filmmakers doing their thing.”
Adds Suzi Yoonessi, whose feature film Unlovable will have its world premiere in the Narrative Spotlight section, “Productions are obstacle courses, and Film Fatales has provided me with a community of directors who are the YellowPages of resources and support.”
Feature Films directed by Film Fatales at SXSW 2018:
● Half the Picture directed by Amy Adrion
● Jinn directed by Nijla Mu’min
● Number 37 directed by Nosipho Dumisa
● On Her Shoulders directed by Alexandria Bombach
● Pet Names directed by Carol Brandt
● Unlovable directed by Suzi Yoonessi
● Wild Nights with Emily directed by Madeleine Olnek
Film Fatales Events at SXSW 2018
Female Gaze: Alternate Fact or Actual Movement
Saturday March 10th 2pm-3pm
Austin Convention Center room 12AB
Panelists: Amy Adrion, Nijla Mu’min, Suzi Yoonessi, Leena Pendharkar
bit.ly/sxswfatales
Sunday March 11th 3:30-4:30pm
JW Marriott room 210
110 E 2nd st, Austin TX
Open to festival badge holders
