Happy International Women's Day!
Celebrate with these illuminating films, documentaries, and beloved classics that tell the stories of resilient women from around the world. Study the roots of the feminist movement, observe young activists, a renowned conservationist, and one of the most notorious writers of the 20th century excel in their craft, or walk alongside the quiet journeys of young women in search of their identity amidst a patriarchal society. Use these titles for your International Women's Day programming to honor what women in history have encountered– and still endure– in their continual pursuit of equality and empowerment.
1. Roma
"Sensitively written, insightfully directed, and vibrantly photographed by Cuaron, it’s epic, yet intricately detailed in its depiction of loneliness."
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2. An Unmarried Woman
"The late-1970s feminism of An Unmarried Woman may seem quaintly outmoded today, but writer-director Paul Mazursky's acclaimed dramedy holds up remarkably well after nearly 30 years, mostly due to the gutsy, Oscar-nominated performance by Jill Clayburgh in the title role."
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3. Pariah
"Pariah is overly diffuse, juggling the heroine's connections with girlfriends, parents, a younger sister, and even an English teacher who encourages Alike's writing, but it still remains a revealing portrait of a girl's struggle to find herself. Recommended."
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4. Feminist Stories From Women's Liberation
"Filmmaker Jennifer Lee narrates this documentary that tells stories “not well known” concerning the beginnings of the “second wave” of American feminism—from 1963 through 1970. Suggesting that the movement is a living thing whose roots have been forgotten, Lee works to create an oral history..."
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5. Just Another Girl on the IRT
"The high-powered hip hop dialogue and jammin' soundtrack will appeal to older teens, and the bold, unconventional approach to the story will capture the attention of serious film lovers."
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6. We Are the Radical Monarchs
"Filmmaker Linda Goldstein Knowlton does a terrific job capturing, with robust energy, the group's activities and evolution over three years. Strongly recommended."
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7. The Woman Who Loves Giraffes
"This intergenerational film by Alison Reid tells the story of a courageous woman in an entertaining way by weaving photos, film clips, and letters from Annes’ year spent in Africa with contemporary conversations about her fight over discrimination and her turn to academic writing."
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8. Little Women
"Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel has been fortunate in its screen adaptations, and this one adapted and directed by actress Greta Gerwig, is one of the best. It captures the spirit of the work with grace, affection, and great good humor while managing to be both touching and a mite daring."
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9. #Female Pleasure
"Miller treats all of these stories with the respect they deserve in a documentary sure to spur conversations about female autonomy and structural patriarchy."
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10. Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
"This film offers a rounded portrait of an African-American feminist and literary pioneer."
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