Women on Wednesday: Turner Classic Movies & Women in Film – Programming Celebrating Female Directors!

"Middle of Nowhere" 

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has announced a multi-year initiative with Women in Film (WIF), Los Angeles, called Trailblazing Women. The partnership will serve to highlight women's historical contributions to cinema and promote gender parity behind the camera.

A month-long programming event hosted by actress, producer and director Illeana Douglas ("She's Funny That Way," "Six Feet Under") will kick off on October 1 with female-helmed films and discussions with women in the film industry set to air every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month. Make sure your kitchen is well-stocked with popcorn: the programming begins at 8pm and goes late into the night, with films starting as late (or as early) as 5am. (We suggest celebrating the occasion by organizing sleepovers with fellow film lovers!)

Screenings in the 2015 programming slate, "Trailblazing Women: Behind the Camera, Ahead of Their Time," will feature pioneering films dating from the early 1900s, such as Frances Marion's "The Love Light," all the way to contemporary classics like Ava DuVernay's "Middle of Nowhere" and Sarah Polley and Sofia Coppola's respective directorial debuts, "Away from Her" and "The Virgin Suicides."

Douglas will be joined by co-hosts for the themed nights, which include "Essential Documentaries" (co-hosted by Connie Field, director of "The Life and Times Of Rosie The Riveter"), "African American Independents" (co-hosted by Julie Dash, writer-director of "The Rosa Parks Story") and "The 1980s: A Step Forward" (co-hosted by "Clueless" scribe and helmer Amy Heckerling).

"The Trailblazing Women initiative allows us to take a deeper look at the role of women in our industry, shine a light on this timely and important topic and provide insight and resources to inspire more women filmmakers," said Jennifer Dorian, general manager of TCM. "We’re thrilled to be able to bring our audience this extensive programming event and provide tremendous insight about the contributions of female filmmakers."

"There are tremendous growth opportunities for women working behind the camera, and by shining a spotlight on these talented Trailblazing Women, we hope to inspire change," added Kirsten Schaffer, WIF Executive Director. "We commend TCM for their leadership in supporting gender parity for female filmmakers, and we are proud to partner with them."

For more information and the complete programming schedule, check out Turner Classic Movies' site for the Trailblazing Women series.

By Laura Berger | Women and Hollywood