TELEVISION/ FILM

Female Director of the Week:

September 18

Mira Nair:

Mira Nair is an Indian Director. She not only creates films but has also created a film company called Mirabai Films. Mirabai Films specializes in films that appeal to a more international audience. Mirabai Films has also created an annual filmmakers laboratory which is dedicated to supporting screenwriters and directors in East Africa and India. Their films shine a light on all aspects of Indian Society. She is the author of not one, but FIVE novels. She studied at Delhi University as well as Harvard University. She is an award-winning documentarian. She has also received an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film with her movie, Salaam Bombay! in 1988. Her film Monsoon Wedding also plans to take Broadway in the coming years. She is a visionary, a scholar and an inspiration for women anywhere.

Recommendations:
Queen of Katwe, Monsoon Wedding, Salaam Bombay!, The Namesake

Movies Actresses In Strong Roles:

Pretty In Pink (1986)

This movie stars Molly Ringwald who plays Andie, a smart girl who makes all of her own clothing. The character Andie is a breath of fresh air to the 1980s movie scene for she is not blond, athletic, popular or dim witted. This coming of age film a must watch for any woman who is looking to feel represented through 1980 cinema.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-rAFVlr65k

The Blind Side (2009)

This Oscar award winning performance by Sandra Bullock left us all speechless. Throwing southern mother stereotypes to the wind Bullock gives us just what the doctor ordered, a confident, intelligent, thick-skinned woman. Representing what all mothers are, hard core bosses.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvqj_Tk_kuM

Chicago (2002)

Did somebody ask for a film with all female leads in a story about badass women who are unapologetic sexy? If so, introducing Chicago! Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renée Zellweger, and Queen Latifa show their chops as they sing, dance and act their way into empowering female roles. This is a MUST for any woman of any age who is ready to be inspired.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EpaMmF9WVU&t=6s

Out of Africa (1985)
Fighting lions, going around Africa on horseback, ladies, meet one badass female heroine. We would expect nothing less than perfection from Meryl Streep, and she gives us this that as she portrays Karen Blixen, a well to do woman who faces hurdle after hurdle as she attempts to save the lives of South African workers.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EW2kNCmZZ0

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
While we are on the topic of Meryl Streep, let's talk a little about The Devil wears Prada, shall we? Here we meet a highly respected (and feared) boss lady who is the editor and chief of Runway magazine. We also meet an aspiring journalist who becomes the new intern. This movie portrays the harsh realities of the fashion world, and the every day challenges female CEOs face. While also observing the tenacity of the female humans work ethic. Funny, Smart and engaging are just some of the words to describe this must watch film.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTDSwAxlNhc

Erin Brockovich (2000)
I remember seeing this film when I was six or seven years old with my mom and credit it as the movie that showed me the power of women. Julia Roberts gives us a stunning performance as the real woman, Erin Brockovich, a divorced mother who singlehandedly takes down a corrupt California power company that was polluting city waters.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELzu636Xf6Y

Amelie (2001)

"Amélie" is a fanciful comedy about a young woman who discretely orchestrates the lives of the people around her, creating a world exclusively of her own making

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUECWi5pX7o

The Sound of Music (1965)

Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, the tomboyish postulant at an Austrian abbey who becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain with seven children, and brings a new love of life and music into the home.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AePRD1Ud3Lw

Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, a top student at the FBI's training academy seeks the advice of the imprisoned Dr. Lecter to apprehend another serial killer, known only as "Buffalo Bill".

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6Mm8Sbe__o

This is just enough to get you started! More lady bosses coming soon!