On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, I look back at these films which advanced the feminist cause. Cinema classics or independent productions, these feature films tackle different and inspiring subjects.
March 8 is a special day where we celebrate the achievements, strength and resilience of women around the world. It is a day of reflection where we can explore how we can foster diversity and inclusion, encourage gender equality which remains a major challenge, create a working environment where everyone can thrive and realize their full potential .
In my collection of films to (re)watch this day, I’m opening the ball with An exceptional woman.
#1- An exceptional woman
With a few liberties, the film tells the true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. At 85, she has become a legend in the United States and sits on the Supreme Court, the highest court in the country. In this film, you will see how a young lawyer who is struggling to find a job (no woman here, let’s see!) will shake up American justice by opening its eyes to the inequalities between men and women in the face of the law.
Trailer for the film An Exceptional Woman: C:: YouTube
Then, I became interested in the young girls present in the film Mustang.
#2- Mustang
Directed by Denis Gamze Ergüven, MUSTANG is a Turkish film which tells the story of five sisters. They will try to undo the archaic morals that they are subject to and discover a freedom that is still taboo. Because they played with boys on the beach, the five heroines find themselves at the heart of a scandal. This poignant film tells of their desire for freedom and how they will fight against their own families to achieve it.
Bane you film Mustang. C: Youtube
After MUSTANG, comes MOXIE.
#3- Moxie
It’s the story of Vivian, a young teenager who will turn her entire school upside down. At Vivian’s high school, everyone is used to turning a blind eye to sexist behavior. But the arrival of Vivian with her rebellious look will shake things up. In secret, Vivian launches a feminist magazine: “ Moxie »… Full of rage, hope and mutual aid.
Available on Netflix, MOXIE is a perfect film to capture the sexism that teenage girls can experience. And it has a great soundtrack!
Moxie movie trailer. C: Netflix/Youtube
#4- BATTLE OF THE SEXES
I recently watched on Disney Battle of the sexes. This is proof of the inequalities in the world of sport. A subject that I addressed yesterday and which proves that inclusion is not always effective in this sector.
Battle of the sexes it’s the story of a former world number 1 tennis player who wants to ridicule the greatest champion of the moment. He harasses her so that she agrees to play a match against him… Behind this anecdotal match (but taken from a true story), the film tells the obstacle course imposed on sportswomen to be taken as seriously as their male comrades. It’s infuriating.
And finally, Doctor March’s daughters.
#5- THE DAUGHTERS OF DOCTOR MARCH
It’s still a story of sisters. It is the story of four sisters, four destinies in an era where women and girls have no rights, except to smile, to be complacent and to get married at the end of life. ‘history. With an extraordinary complicity between its actresses, this adaptation of a famous novel will bring you to tears.
Trailer for the film Doctor March’s Daughters. C: Youtube
That’s it for this movie collection. Between sexism, empowerment, romance, historical frescoes or even fantastic heroines, cinema treats feminism from all angles.
I hope they help you understand the whole struggle behind this day. And above all, women will understand that March 8 exists so that they can be free every day of the year. My wish is that they stop hiding behind the roles of mothers, wives, directors… and choose themselves today, tomorrow and all the other days of their lives.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself!
With all my love, Badal.