It’s been something of a devastating past few following weeks for women in the film industry as everyone from Harry Knowles to Harvey Weinstein have been called out for sexual assault. It’s all been a harsh reminder of the toxic masculinity that poisons the corridors of Hollywood. However, what’s been encouraging to see throughout all of this is the community of women coming together to support and champion one another and their works. And returning at the right time and place is the Women and Hollywood 10th Anniversary Trailblazer Awards.
The recipients are wide ranging, from directors who have made a name for themselves in the nature of period dramas, to narrative pioneers and filmmakers who broke barriers. It’s an inspiring group of talent that deserves as many eyes upon them as possible.
The New York Trailblazer Awardees include directors Amma Asante (“Belle“), Julie Dash (“Daughters of the Dust”), and Julie Taymor (“Frida”) as well as producer and GameChanger Films president Mynette Louie and HBO Documentary Films president Sheila Nevins. They will be honored October 17th at the Time Warner Center in NYC. The talent on display showcase a wide range of talent and filmmakers who never compromised their vision in fear of sacrificing their intent.
The Los Angeles Trailblazers include directors Patty Jenkins (“Wonder Woman,” “Monster”), Haifaa al-Mansour (“Wadjda,” “Mary Shelley”), and Angela Robinson (“Professor Marston and the Wonder Women“). Director Leah Meyerhoff (“I Believe in Unicorns”) is being honored for founding Film Fatales. Jenkins has made history this year with her superhero adaption that was a box office smash and won and the hearts of millions (the “No Man’s Land” scene still gives me chills/makes me cry). Robinson is similarly meeting critical raves for her depiction of the origin story of the Wonder Woman. On the other side of the spectrum, Mansour and Meyerhoff are anchoring the independent scene. All four promise exciting futures ahead of them for their careers and us as fans, awaiting solid and thrilling new work.
Other honorees include the ACLU; Melissa Goodman, Audrey Irmas director of the LGBTQ, Gender and Reproductive Justice Project at ACLU of SoCal, and Lenora Lapidus, Director of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU, will be accepting. And the founder of the Media, Diversity, & Social Change Initiative, Dr. Stacy L. Smith, will also be recognized. They will receive their awards on October 25 at the ArcLight Theatre in Hollywood. [Women And Hollywood]