Last weekend’s 2018 Women of the Now Anniversary Showcase inspired every emotion that people want from the movies while weaving a thread of feminism into an enjoyable afternoon matinee.
The superbly professional collection of shorts — presented on Sunday at the New 400 Theaters in Rogers Park — represented work from some of the most influential directors, producers, and actors in the film community.
The themes and settings were as bold and colorful as the world itself.
Firebird — The Rise of Bolivia’s Indigenous Fighting Cholitas was a heartwarming documentary about Bolivian female wrestlers. Library Hours was a tender story about “books and bondage.” Paper Crane was an intense confrontation that we all need to face. And those were just three of the fifteen that screened.
Founded by filmmaker Layne Marie Williams, Women of the Now is an event and production company of individuals who are “constantly working to create opportunities for all marginalized populations in the film and entertainment industry.”
Last Sunday afternoon, they transformed life and all that comes with it into art worth watching.
To view the award-winning trailers and the full program list, see below. To check out Reel Chicago’s Facebook photo album of the event, click here.
AUDIENCE FAVORITES
DAISY’S ORACLE DIRECTED BY KIEA D. HOUSETON
LIBRARY HOURS DIRECTED BY JIM VENDIOLA
PAPER CRANE DIRECTED BY CHRISTINE SCIORTINO
JUDGES’ CHOICE
ATOMS OF ASHES DIRECTED BY MAGGIE SCRANTOM
THE FULL PROGRAM
Firebird — The Rise of Bolivia’s Indigenous Fighting Cholitas
Directed by Anthony Molina
Go Run
Directed by Layne Marie Williams
Bath Salt
Directed by Nadyja von Ebers
Maiden
Directed by Emily Esperanza
Paper Crane
Directed by Christine Sciortino
Me, Documented
Directed by Caity Lougheed
A Meal With Dad
Directed by Brittany Alsot
Bucket List
Directed by Jessica King
Atoms of Ashes
Directed by Maggie Scrantom
Daisy’s Oracle
Directed by Kiea D. Houseton
Tea & Coffee
Directed by Maaya Modha & Adam Patel
Library Hours
Directed by Jim Vendiola
In My Final Breath
Directed by Rachel Berg &
Stuart Hotwagner
Beat
Directed by Sarah Knauf
Crystal Lake
Directed by Jennifer Reeder
CREDITS
WOTN Showcase Production
Layne Marie Williams — Founder and Executive Director
Nandi Mudiwa — Director of Events
Jill Sandmire — Co-Director of Operations
Armani Barron — Executive Assistant
With Contributions From
Aimy Tien — Co-Director of Operations
Stephanie MacDonald — Director of Marketing
Laura Day — Director of Media Production
Taylor Wisham — Events Director in training
Hannah Butler — Events Assistant
Katelyn Capri — WOTN Affiliate
To contact Editor Dan Patton, email dan@reelchicago.com.
