LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Councilman Mitch O'Farrell introduced a resolution today to proclaim Dec. 1 as “Women Make Film Day'' to recognize female filmmakers in Los Angeles.
O'Farrell said his office teamed with Turner Classic Movies to promote the work of women filmmakers in Hollywood's signature industry to proclaim the day on their behalf.
“Since its very beginnings, cinema has been blessed with the outstanding creativity, skills, labor and vision of countless women. However, the contributions and perspectives of women to the art and industry of movies have been historically obscured,'' ,'' O'Farrell said. “The work of TCM to elevate the perspectives of women in film is essential and a reminder that we must all do our part to bring attention to women's voices, which is why I am honored to proclaim Dec. 1 as TCM `Women Make Film Day.'''
The proclamation is part of a larger virtual event that includes a conversation hosted by TCM's Alicia Malone with director Mark Cousins, known for his 15-hour 2011 documentary “The Story of Film,'' and featuring Kenyan film director-producer Wanuri Kahiu and documentary filmmaker-cinematographer Kirsten Johnson.
This fall, TCM has devoted many programming hours to an array of films directed by women, O'Farrell said. The network is highlighting 100 films by 100 filmmakers from six continents and 44 countries, spanning 12 decades, and the premiere of a 14-part documentary, titled “Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema,'' written and directed by Cousins.
“We thank the city of Los Angeles for this honor and hope that everyone takes the opportunity to celebrate the meaningful impact of women in the entertainment industry,'' said Pola Changnon, TCM's general manager. “Women Make Film is a signature programming event for TCM and we will continue to celebrate dynamic women and their contributions to film for many years to come.''
The Women Make Film conversation can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvY2qTvvVxs&feature=youtu.be.
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