The 4th Women+Film VOICES Film Festival, produced by the Denver Film Society, announced today its full Festival program and schedule. The complete lineup of films for the Festival, which runs March 18-March 23, is available at denverfilm.org.
Inspired by the theme of International Women's Day, which is celebrated globally every March, VOICES showcases a high profile, women-centric mix of documentaries, feature presentations and short films. The festival also includes the VOICES Mobile Film Fest, The MacSpa Mobile Movie Making Workshops, Young Filmmakers Workshop @VOICES, salon discussions and many in-person guests to highlight thought-provoking, inspirational stories of women from around the world.
"We are very excited to be able to showcase film by and about women and our curated line-up is packed with films that celebrate the 'voices' of women from around the world," says VOICES co-founder and festival producer Tammy Brislin.
The Women+Film VOICES Film Festival opens Tuesday, March 18 with the documentary SEPIDEH. Director Berit Madsen will join the audience for a post-screening Skype discussion. The Festival will close with the comedy OBVIOUS CHILD from director Gillian Robespierre. Both films include receptions and will mark their Colorado premieres after making their debuts at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
"Starting fairly humbly eight years ago at the Starz Denver Film Festival, it's been exciting to watch the growth of this program," says founder of Women+Film Barbara Bridges. "Our audiences have embraced the combination of powerful films, receptions and discussions that create a community of filmgoers at our monthly screenings and festivals. In our fourth annual VOICES Film Festival, we're hearing from both local and international filmmakers-all of them telling stories that we can relate to and enjoy."
4th WOMEN+FILM VOICES FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAM
Opening Night
SEPIDEH (REACHING FOR THE STARS) - DENMARK - (DIRECTOR: Berit Madsen)
Sepideh wants to become an astronaut. She spends her nights in a rural village far from Tehran
exploring the secrets of the universe, while her family will do anything to keep her on the ground.The expectations for a young Iranian woman are very different from Sepideh's ambitions, and her plans to go to university are in danger.
POST-SCREENING SKYPE: Berit Madsen
Closing Night
OBVIOUS CHILD - USA - (DIRECTOR: Gillian Robespierre)
Donna Stern is a 27-year-old Brooklyn comedian who's unapologetically lewd, warmhearted wit is pretty irresistible with audiences. When she gets heartlessly "dumped up with" by her two-timing boyfriend, Donna plunges into some light stalking and heavy moping. Hitting a serious low point, she performs a dreary set of break-up vengeance and Holocaust jokes and drunkenly falls into bed with a nice young professional named Max-not remotely her type. A few weeks later, condoms be damned, she's pregnant. Now Donna, incapable of telling anything but the naked truth when she's on stage, will resort to any means to avoid telling Max the score. As her date with Planned Parenthood draws near, she must confront her doubts and fears like never before.
Special Presentations
Lighthouse Writer's Workshop Big Read Presentation
HOUSEKEEPING - USA - (DIRECTOR: Bill Forsyth)
This screening of the film Housekeeping is part of Lighthouse Writers Workshop's Big Read, a community-wide exploration of Marilynne Robinson's award-winning novel. Housekeeping tells the story of the Foster sisters, Ruthie and Lucille, as they grow up-and apart from each other. The girls are raised by a series of relatives, most notably their rail-riding, eccentric Aunt Sylvie. Outsiders in their community, they test the ties of familial love and what it means to belong. Stars Christine Lahti.
POST-SCREENING DISCUSSION: Terry Dodd
National Theatre Live
THE AUDIENCE - UK - (DIRECTOR: Stephen Daldry CAST: Helen Mirren)
Helen Mirren reprises her Academy Award winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of THE AUDIENCE, recorded live at London's Gielgud Theatre and simulcast as part of National Theatre Live.
Documentary
BEE PEOPLE - USA - (DIRECTOR: David Knappe)
BEE PEOPLE is a groundbreaking film that takes movie goers inside the world of bees - and the people who keep them. Shot on location in Colorado (Denver, Boulder, Englewood, Fort Collins, Red Rocks and Strasburg), New York (Queens, Rego Park and Manhattan) and New Jersey (Liberty Corner), Bee People is not just a documentary - it's an adventure!
IN-PERSON GUEST: Leslie Ellis (Denver) and David Knappe
BORDERING ON TREASON - USA - (DIRECTOR: San Tong, Trish Dalton and Jesse Epstein)
BORDERING ON TREASON tells the amazing story of Lorna Tychostup, a single mother and photojournalist who travels to Iraq continuously for nine years to put a human face on a horrific global tragedy. Visiting military units and Iraqi families beyond the green zone, she evolves from naïve civilian to established journalist. Through Lorna's personal journey, Bordering On Treason explores the complexities of this war and the possibility of hope.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Trish Dalton, San Tong and Lorna Tychostup
CAMERA/WOMAN - MOROCCO - (DIRECTOR: Karima Zoubir)
Working as a videographer at weddings in Casablanca, Khadija Harrad is part of the new generation of young, divorced Moroccan women seeking to realize their desires for freedom and independence while honoring their families' wishes. Mother of an 11-year-old son and primary breadwinner for her parents and siblings as well, she navigates daily between the elaborate fantasy world of the parties she films and harassment from her traditionally conservative family, which disapproves of her occupation and wants her only to remarry.
CLAW - USA - (DIRECTOR: Billy Hunt and Brian Wimer)
Started in the sleepy college town of Charlottesville, Virginia, The Collective of Lady Arm Wrestlers (aka "CLAW") is spreading like cooties; with sister branches in Austin, Brooklyn, New Orleans, DC, and even Sao Paolo, Brazil. Each league sticks to simple rules, ladies arm wrestle in character, raising money for good causes. Other then that, there are no rules. Together, they have raised over $250,000 for charity.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Brian Wimer (Denver native)
GERALDINE FERRARO: PAVING THE WAY - USA - (DIRECTOR: Donna Zaccaro)
GERALDINE FERRARO: PAVING THE WAY is a feature-length documentary about the life of this trailblazer who served as role model for women and men across the nation and around the world. The film features never-before-seen archival footage and stills, intimate interviews with Ferraro and commentary by many of the leading political figures of our day.
POST-SCREENING PANEL DISCUSSION
GLENA - USA - (DIRECTOR Director Alan Luebke)
Glena was living the American Dream: successful career, two happy children, a beautiful family home. Then one day, with no background or training, she decided to give cage fighting a try. And she was good...really good. But Glena's world begins to unravel: impending foreclosure, a painful custody dispute, a broken relationship with her teenage son. She puts it all on the line as she travels across the country to compete in a trilogy of epic matches.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Alan Luebke and Glena Avila
HER AIM IS TRUE - USA - (DIRECTOR: Karen Whitehead)
In 1964, a middle-aged self-taught photographer, Jini Dellaccio, began hanging out with raucous garage bands like The Sonics in her backyard, creating startling images and innovative album covers. Soon she was grabbing unprecedented portraits of Neil Young and early performances by bands like The Who, Rolling Stones, and Mamas & Papas. Musicians and rock photographers join Jini Dellaccio on an inspiring tour of her ingenuity and style, with a soundtrack and interviews that capture the Pacific Northwest's vibrant music subculture. At the heart of this film though, is a legacy lost and found in an enduring story about love, creativity and indie spirit, with universal appeal.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Karen Whitehead
HONOR DIARIES - USA - (DIRECTOR: Paula Kweskin and Micah Smith)
Award winning film about the topic of honor violence against women in Muslim culture, HONOR DIARIES brings together female activists from around the world who are devoted to this cause. It covered topics such as forced marriage, genital cutting and honor killings.
PENNY & RED: THE LIFE OF SECRETARIAT'S OWNER - USA - (DIRECTOR: John Tweedy, Beret Strong)
From her parents' climb out of poverty to her emergence as the 'First Lady of Racing,' Penny Chenery's life has been fueled by the love of horses. Forever paired with the great racehorse Secretariat, Penny's story also exemplifies the rise and sacrifices of women of her generation. The woman who emerges from this surprisingly candid documentary is no Disney princess. Yet Penny's unstinting reflection on her life of caged ambition, suddenly liberated by a horse of transcendent power, still gives off a shimmer of grace.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Beret Strong (Denver)
SWEET DREAMS - USA - (DIRECTOR: Lisa Fruchtman and Rob Fruchtman)
Kiki decided to start Ingoma Nshya, Rwanda's first and only women's drumming troupe, open to women from both sides of the conflict. There was only one requirement: to leave the categories of the past at the gate.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Lisa Fruchtman
YELLOW FEVER - USA - (DIRECTOR: Sophie Rousmaniere)
YELLOW FEVER follows young Navajo veteran, Tina Garnanez on her journey to investigate the history of the Navajo Uranium Boom, its lasting impacts in her area and the potential new mining in her region. She begins as a curious family member and becomes an advocate, lobbyist, activist and vocal proponent for transparency and environmental justice.
Narrative
LIARS DICE - INDIA - (DIRECTOR: Geeta Mohandas)
The film follows Kamala, a young woman from Chitkul village and her girl child Manya, who embarks on a journey leaving their native land in search for her missing husband. Along this journey she encounters Nawazudin, a free spirited army deserter who helps them to get to their destination with his own selfish motive.
POST-SCREENING SKYPE: Geeta Mohandas
DRUNKTOWN'S FINEST - USA - (DIRECTOR: Sydney Freeland)
Drunktown's Finest is Sydney Freeland's feature film debut and her response to a news story that characterized her hometown of Gallup, New Mexico, as "Drunktown, USA." Nizhoni was adopted and raised as a Christian by a white family, transsexual Felixxia dreams of becoming a model, and Sickboy is headed to basic training so he can take care of his soon-to-be-born child. We observe the Navajo Nation from the inside out through the eyes of these three unlikely characters. At first our preconceptions are reinforced, but slowly, as each of their lives unfolds, we confront the reality of living in this community, and we see these three aspiring to leave their town behind.
IN-PERSON GUEST: Sydney Freeland
EDEN - UK - (DIRECTOR: Megan Griffiths)
Eden, a young Korean-American girl, is abducted near her home in New Mexico and forced into prostitution by a domestic human and drug trafficking ring located outside the bright lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. Throughout the two years she is held, Eden reluctantly ensures her own survival by carving out power and influence within the very organization that has imprisoned her. Inspired by the harrowing true story of Chong Kim, EDEN peers into the darkest corners of America and attempts to discover the humanity within.
POST-SCREENING PANEL DISCUSSION
Shorts
SHORTS PACKAGE #1: SISTERS ARE DOIN' FOR THEMSELVES
MISS TODD - USA - (DIRECTOR: Kristina Yee)
In 1909, one young woman dreams of flying, but she's got more than gravity holding her down.
BAKING ALASKA - USA - (DIRECTOR: Kari Barber)
Two Southern sisters chase a dream of opening a bakery to Homer, Alaska where they face the challenges of an extreme environment and working with family.
PLAYING HOUSE - USA - (DIRECTOR: Suzanne Heintz)
An unwed woman's life is documented in Kodak Moments, living with a manufactured family of mannequins.
SHORTS PACKAGE #2 - I WILL SURVIVE
PLAN B - USA - (DIRECTOR: Sarah-Rose Meredith)
Debbie and Jake race across the desert in search of emergency contraception, fighting their hangovers, the clock and each other.
RELICS - USA - (DIRECTOR: Jennie Allen)
A vacuum cleaner salesman gets caught up in the battle of wills between an ailing woman and her stubborn daughter and must decide how far he will go to please his customers.
BLUE - USA - (DIRECTOR: Katelyn Bianchini)
A fearful balloon must learn to put his fragile life in the hands of an unlikely friend.
DEADBEAT - USA - (DIRECTOR: Danielle Morgan)
Nina's relationship with her boyfriend is draining. But how do you break up with a vampire?
SHOOT THE MOON - USA - (DIRECTOR: Alexander Gaeta)
Marcy Meyers is down on her luck, faced with piling bills, the remnants of a failed marriage, and now an imminent home foreclosure. She need a miracle she and finds it in "Shoot the Moon," a national game show that promises a one in a lifetime chance to win it all. SHOOT THE MOON tells the story of miracles and the extraordinary place they are found.
Workshops
Young Filmmakers Workshop @ VOICES
New this year at VOICES! This workshop is for young women 12-18 years old. Participants will work together with instructor Scott Kinnamon to produce a 3-5 minute documentary video about the VOICES Film Festival. The students will gather for a total of 8 days between March 12-March 27. They will learn all phases of pre-production and production, as well as immerse themselves in the festival by attending events and interviewing filmmakers. Deadline for sign-up is March 7.
For more detailed information visit: denverfilm.org/youngfilmmakersworkshop
The MacSpa Mobile Movie Making Workshop
iMovie for your iPad or iPhone is a sophisticated tool that fits in your pocket and provides budding filmmakers with the ability to create professional-quality video. Join us during the VOICES Film Festival to explore the application's interface, titles, layered effects, and editing capabilities.
Sunday, March 23, 11:00am-12:30pm, FREE. RSVP: tammy@denverfilm.org
KEY DATES:
March 12-27: Young Filmmakers Workshop @VOICES
March 18: Opening Night Film (7pm) & Reception (9pm): SEPIDEH
March 21, 22, 23: VOICES Salon Series (TBA)
March 23: The MacSpa Mobile Moviemaking Workshop (11am)
March 23: Closing Night Reception (6pm) & Film (7pm): OBVIOUS CHILD
PRESS:
For press credentials, please email katie@denverfilm.org to apply. Include media outlet, plans for coverage and links to previous related work. Following the full program announcement, DVD screeners and/or password-protected links will be provided upon request.
TICKETS:
Tickets are on sale at denverfilm.org or the box office at the Sie FilmCenter (2510 East Colfax Avenue, Denver). All VOICES screenings and workshops will take place at the Sie FilmCenter.
PRICING:
Regular Festival Screenings: $12 GA/$10 Member
Opening Film (SEPIDEH) + Reception: $25 GA/$20 Member
Closing Night Film (OBVIOUS CHILD) + Reception: $25 GA/$20 Member
VOICES Festival Series Pass: $100 GA/$90 Member
Women+Film VIP Yearly Membership: $500
SOCIAL:
To keep up with VOICES, visit: voicesfilmfestival.com, like the Facebook page facebook.com/VoicesFilmFest, follow @VoicesFilmFest on Twitter/Instagram and share your voice by using the #VoicesFilmFest hashtag.
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2014 WOMEN+FILM VOICES FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS:
Women+Film Founding Sponsor: Barbara Bridges Presenting: Sheila K. O' Brien of International Career Counseling Associate: Argonaut Wine & Liquor Women+Film Year Round: Peepers Optical, The Women's Foundation of Colorado Individual Film: Zonta Club of Denver, Girls Inc. of Denver, The Institute for Women's Studies and Services of Metro State College, Stephanie Bruno Wealth Manager, The Women's Foundation/Board Members, Wells Fargo Group: Book Babes, Tribal Girls Contributing: The MacSpa Media: Denver Life Magazine, DandizetteMagazine,com, GirlTalkHQ.com Friends: Athena Project Festival
ABOUT WOMEN+FILM:
Women+Film is a year-round program of the Denver Film Society that not only celebrates the art and achievements of women filmmakers around the world, but also brings together an array of scholars, civil- and human-rights advocates, community leaders and concerned members of the public to shine the spotlight on social issues through cinema and the dialogue it stimulates.
ABOUT THE DENVER FILM SOCIETY:
Founded in 1978, the Denver Film Society (DFS) is a membership-based, nonprofit cultural institution that produces film events throughout the year, including the award-winning Starz Denver Film Festival and the popular, summertime series Film on the Rocks. With a vision to cultivate community and transform lives through film, the Film Society provides opportunities for diverse audiences to discover film through creative, thought-provoking experiences. The new, permanent home of the Denver Film Society, the Sie FilmCenter is Denver's only year-round cinematheque, presenting a weekly-changing calendar of first-run exclusives and arthouse revivals