Women of The Now’s Anniversary Showcase

WOTN's Nandi Mudiwa and Layne Marie Williams

WOTN’s Nandi Mudiwa and Layne Marie Williams

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.

Emily Esperanza and Eve Rydberg
Emily Esperanza and Eve Rydberg

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

Steph MacDonald
Steph MacDonald

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

WOTN boosters
WOTN boosters

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

Lucky ticket holder
Lucky ticket holder

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.