The Goddess Project is a powerful and intimate documentary that gives voice to the feminine experience through a collection of diverse perspectives of women throughout the United States. Empowered to change the stereotypical representations of women in the media and create a space for women to inspire themselves, filmmakers Holli Rae and Sara Landas packed up their lives and set out on a nationwide road trip to interview women throughout the country. In the span of six months, the directors visited thirty states, covering roughly 10,000 miles, and interviewed over 100 women from diverse walks of life: artists, scholars, writers, mothers, etc. While the film includes diverse perspectives from unique individuals, the women's stories are quite similar.
The filmmakers discuss the ways in which society has created a definition of what it is to be a woman that sets limits and prevents many from being their truest selves. Cultural standards tell women what they should look like, how they should behave, and what their dreams should be. The women discuss their struggles combating these social expectations as they try to become the most genuine version of themselves.
This powerful conversation evolves through various chapters that explore self-discovery, the strength of influence, sisterhood, healing through trauma, feminism and so much more. This educational documentary sheds light on the too-often silenced feminine experience that is central to the lives of so many. The Goddess Project is a beautiful collection of life stories that explores the complexity of womanhood. It is a film almost anyone can find a piece of themselves in.
What ages would this film be suitable for?
While this film is not rated, it does cover several topics that may not be suitable for younger audiences, such as trauma and abuse. However, the primary focus of the film is to encourage healing from such experiences and encourage growth through hardship. With that being said, I think that a variety of audiences could benefit from viewing the film in a public screening and would encourage children as young as 12 to view it, with the permission of a parent or guardian.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
I can see this film fitting into a variety of different class lessons and syllabi in an academic library: women and gender studies, sociology, health, and wellness, etc.
Would this film be suitable for a public screening?
I think this film is more than suitable for a public screening. I can see this being a great addition to a variety of library, university, and community events centered on women’s rights, body positivity, etc. I think that viewing this film with others would add to the experience of viewing diverse perspectives and sharing the collective struggles of women and humankind.