Telling HERStory: Empowering Films for Women’s History Month

“Fried Green Tomatoes” – With a deeply introspective undertone, “Fried Green Tomatoes” looks closely at the power of interpersonal relationships among women, particularly those of different age groups, while addressing topics such as domestic violence, racism, and poverty. The film’s central characters overcome incredible obstacles through internal and unyielding strength of spirit.

“A Streetcar Named Desire” – A work of social realism, this classic play turned into a film covers what happens when romantic heroine Blanche’s fantasy fails to overcome reality. The complexity of Blanche’s character, played by the iconic Vivian Leigh, and her power struggle with Stanley have been examined in hundreds of classrooms and continue to stir questions about the marginalization and power assigned to traditional gender roles.

“Dreamgirls” - Adapted from the Tony Award-winning 1981 Broadway musical of the same name and winner of two Academy Awards, “Dreamgirls” follows the story of singing group “The Dreamettes” as they rise to fame in the 1960s and 1970s. The film centers on the lives of the groups' three black female singers and the challenges of racism, societal change, pride, and self-worth they face in an evolving music industry.

“Katrina Gilbert: Paycheck to Paycheck” – Covering a whole year in the life of a single mother whose daily struggles highlight issues faced by millions, “Katrina Gilbert: Paycheck to Paycheck” shares an honest and often heart-wrenching story of poverty and motherhood. Including themes of perseverance, the mother-child bond and addiction, this documentary takes a hard look at how our society supports and sometimes fails single mothers.

“Amélie” – Whimsical and colorful, this famous French film is all about Amélie, an innocent and lonely girl in Paris who loves to change the lives of those around her. This film’s unique narrative storytelling and sense of self-discovery showcase the endearing nature of adolescence and growth from a young girl into a grown woman. 

“A Ballerina’s Tale” – Misty Copeland, the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, is profiled in this impactful documentary, which captures her rise to fame as she overcomes stereotypes of body image, class and race in the ballet industry. Copeland’s intriguing retelling of her past shines light on the internal struggles of a trailblazing women, particularly that of loneliness and imposter syndrome.

 “A League of Their Own” - Based on the true story of the women athletes who blazed the trail both on the baseball field and off, this movie lends itself to discussion about the collapse of traditional gender roles during WWII and the evolving concepts of femininity, sisterhood, heroism and gender.

“Suffragette” – Based on the incredible true story, this film examines the fight for equality and the right to vote in early 20^th century Britain through the eyes of working-class women. This film made waves at its 2015 red carpet premiere when a group of protestors demonstrated, drawing attention to domestic violence and women’s rights in the modern era.

“The Joy Luck Club” - Centered around four women who emigrated from their native country, China, “The Joy Luck Club” provides a unique perspective on the shared retelling of women’s history. The interesting and complex stories of these women, shared with their own daughters, bring up themes of culturalism, generational communication, friendship, family and identity as an immigrant.

“Frida” - Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico’s best-known 20^th century artists, and her raw artistic style are profiled in this passionate biopic. Reflective of her own fierceness and vulnerability, Frida broaches difficult topics of communism, obsession, violence, sexuality, love, self-acceptance and ethnicity.

“Elizabeth” – Featuring a strong female lead, this biographical drama is based on the early years of one of the world’s most recognizable monarchs. The film follows Queen Elizabeth I’s reign and rise to power as she navigates complex obstacles in the form of sexism, naivety, greed and jealousy to maintain her independence.

“Chi-Raq” – Set in present-day Southside Chicago, “Chi-Raq” is a powerful and unique retelling of Aristophanes’ “Lysistrata.” This satirical Spike Lee film examines the power of unity among women by weaving a powerful narrative on sexuality as cross-sectionalized by race, all while addressing the trauma associated with violence and loss in a single community.

All of these films are available now! You can also view our entire list of Women's History Month films or contact us to learn more!