Category: Spotlight

Feminism, Reviews, Spotlight, Women in Television

“A Very British Scandal” and the Public Slut-Shaming of the Duchess of Argyll

By Morgan Roberts In the Prime Video anthology, “A Very British Scandal” (2021), the tumultuous marriage and scandalous divorce of the Duke and Duchess of Argyll takes center stage. The marriage between Ian Campbell (Paul Bettany) and Margaret Whigham (Claire Foy) was passionate yet volatile from the start. Campbell cheated on his second wife with Whigham in order to be granted a divorce. The marriage … Continue reading “A Very British Scandal” and the Public Slut-Shaming of the Duchess of Argyll

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Female Filmmakers, Interviews, Spotlight, SXSW Film Festival, Women in Film

Exclusive SXSW 2022 Interview: “Pretty Problems” Director Kestrin Pantera

By Joan Amenn Fresh from winning the Narrative Spotlight Audience Award at SXSW this year, I got to sit down with Kestrin Pantera and talk about her film, “Pretty Problems” (2022). Also, I learned she has an adorable cat and is a talented musician in addition to being a savvy film director. Joan: What films influenced your vision in creating this film? Kestrin: For the … Continue reading Exclusive SXSW 2022 Interview: “Pretty Problems” Director Kestrin Pantera

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Directors, Female Filmmaker, Female Filmmakers, Personal Essays, Spotlight, Television, Women in Film, Women in Television

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Lynn Shelton

By Morgan Roberts There are a number of women who are trailblazers behind the camera, but none as remarkable as Lynn Shelton. Raised in Seattle, Shelton’s earlier career was in editing for work in the area as well as creating experimental short films. In 2003, Shelton saw Claire Denis at Seattle’s Northwest Forum. At the talk, Denis discussed her start in directing and how she … Continue reading Women’s History Month Spotlight: Lynn Shelton

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Best Actresses of The Decade, Directors, Female Characters, Feminism, Film Festivals, Film Reviews, Mental Health, Reviews, Spotlight, Women in Film

GFF2022 Review: The Worst Person in the World

Year: 2021 Runtime: 128 minutes Director: Joachim Trier Writer: Joachim Trier Starring: Renate Reinsve, Anders Danielsen Lie, Herbert Nordrum By Calum Cooper Existential crises were an oddly recurring theme in 2021’s filmography. That might not be surprising, given the current state of the world, but there were many thoughtful, gripping films (or comedy specials in Bo Burnham’s case) that explored the simultaneous beauty and anxiety … Continue reading GFF2022 Review: The Worst Person in the World

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Christmas, Holiday Countdown, Spotlight

In Their Own League Advent Countdown: 1. The Thin Man (1934)

By Joan Amenn Mr. and Mrs. Charles (William Powell, Myrna Loy) have just arrived in New York City for the holiday season and they are ready to party! However, there seems to have been a murder committed and Nick Charles is called out of retirement to solve it, mostly to amuse his wife. Noir, comedy and season’s greetings all mix uniquely in “The Thin Man” … Continue reading In Their Own League Advent Countdown: 1. The Thin Man (1934)

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Directors, End of the Year Recap, Female Filmmaker, Interviews, Spotlight

Interview: Scarecrow Video Chats About Their Favorite Films of 2021 Directed by Women

By Joan Amenn It’s already that time of year when film fans start compiling lists of their favorites and the great team at Scarecrow Video are jotting them down and checking them twice. We got to sit down with Emalie Soderback and Kevin Clarke from Scarecrow’s fun YouTube program, “VIVA PHYSICAL MEDIA!” which you should definitely check out (VIVA PHYSICAL MEDIA episode 28 – YouTube) … Continue reading Interview: Scarecrow Video Chats About Their Favorite Films of 2021 Directed by Women

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History, Retrospect Reviews, Spotlight, Women in Film

The Big Sleep and the Femme Noir: #Noirvember Retrospective

By Joan Amenn Few actresses are indelibly linked to the genre of film noir as Lauren Bacall. Thanks in no small part to her falling in love with her co-star Humphrey Bogart while making her film debut in “To Have and Have Not” (1944) Bacall became the female counterpart to his noir “tough guy” image. Their chemistry was so electric they were teamed up two … Continue reading The Big Sleep and the Femme Noir: #Noirvember Retrospective

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Shonda Rhimes
Spotlight, Women in Film, Women in Television

Spotlight: Shonda Rhimes

By Kate Boyle There are few people more recognizable in the world of television than Shonda Rhimes. She is an accomplished screenwriter, producer, and author. When her name is attached to a project, it guarantees a carefully woven plot filled with intrigue, tension, and gut-wrenching moments that will haunt viewers for years to come. I don’t know what’s more dangerous, getting attached to a Game … Continue reading Spotlight: Shonda Rhimes

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