Sunday, January 7

Voice for the Voiceless



A Voice for the Voiceless

By: Theresa Dillon

 

The 2018 Golden Globes are upon us and once again everyone will be watching Meryl Streep. Will she be wearing black? Will she win for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, increasing her record to 9 wins? Will she speak up for the #MeToo movement or will she remain silent?


For many viewers, politics has no room in Hollywood and should stay away from the red carpet and award shows. But for the 41-year-old woman who was harassed by her boss for 20 years and couldn’t say something without her career reputation being smashed to pieces, these actresses standing up are the voice she can’t deliver. They have the loudest microphones, the largest stage, the most cameras and the biggest audience. They are giving a voice to the voiceless. Which, in a sense, has always been their job.


They portray powerful women from history who were put down and stood up to the injustices of the world. They have placed themselves in the shoes of the invisible black woman, the over-worked blue-collar factory worker, the young career woman looking to make it in the world with only her dreams, poofed bangs, and tennis shoes. They’ve portrayed fictional superheroes, science fiction generals, and monster slayers. They’ve portrayed the mother, the daughter, and the sister. They aren’t using their voice to make noise but to make change. A change in power. A shift to true equality. And while they are using their position in society to spark a movement, as moviegoers we can unite together to support women’s voices.





It’s easy really. We can watch films written/directed by women or that feature strong female characters. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a dark theater or on your couch in your pajamas.


We can attend film festivals that celebrate women’s artistry throughout the world. Including but not limited to: Femina – International Women’s Film Festival, International Women’s Film Festival - Barcelona, Mumbai Women’s International Film Festival, San Francisco International Women’s Film Festival, Athena Film Festival, Bimovie, Etheria Film Night, Scream Queen Filmfest Tokyo, Women and Fashion Film Festival, Womanimation!, Women in Horror Recognition Month, Moondance International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, AFI Fest, Toronto Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival...and many, many more. 


We can attend special movie screening events at local theaters. But most importantly, we can share our experience with our friends, family, and children. We can come together as women to support one another and stand strong. 

 

 

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