Commentary by Collin Stroup
Storytelling is an integral part of being human, and over time we’ve developed a wealth of ways to present those stories. From books to music to film and television, people of every race, gender, and background can tell their story to the world. Barbara Ann O’Leary from Indiana has sought to bring awareness to one group in particular; Female directors.
“I watch a lot of films and like to learn all I can about cinema. A few years ago I really started to be aware that there are an enormous number of women directors that a lot of film lovers don’t seem to know about.” O’Leary works for IU Cinema and has created an international event to highlight films directed by women along with a database of female directors.
The event, appropriately named Directed by Women, is a 15 day call to bring communities and friends and family together to select and watch films from female directors from Sept. 1-15.
“The simplest way to participate is to watch a film by a woman director and share about it online using the hashtag #DirectedbyWomen,” says O’Leary. “Some people have started organizing Virtual Film Viewing Parties so they can enjoy with film lovers who are not living nearby…This party’s global with events in UK, Spain, India, etc.”
While this event was solely created by O’Leary, she’s gained support from IU Cinema which will be showing some selected films and even have guests such as Penelope Spheeris, director of “Wayne’s World.”
“There’s an enormous wealth of film making that a lot of film lovers are missing out on,” she said.
To view a list of over 7400 female directors and learn more about events in your community, visit www.directedbywomen.com and mark your calendars for Sept. 1.
Read more from Collin at www.amateurhourfilm.com
