Film Indpendent’s Dawn Hudson, recently named by THR as one of Hollywood’s 100 most influential women, takes time from prepping for the Independent Spirit Awards (Feb 24) to talk accomplishments and goals. Read more

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In the LA Times, Josh Friedman writes about ‘First Weekenders’ groups who turn out for opening nights en masse to support women filmmakers.

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For those who live in the newsreader realm, AWFJ has created an RSS feed. Please click the link (lower right) to subscribe to receive the latest from AWFJ, including news about women making films, films about women, member commentaries and initiatives.

“Avenue Montaigne”, writer/director Daniele Thompson’s third feature, is a delightful ensemble comedrama with signature Thompson style. Like her previous films, it’s a product of her creative collaboration with Christopher Thompson, her son, who also stars in the movie. Read more

Given the unpredictable origins of contemporary music, it’s not difficult to understand why a pop princess would ask her childhood idol to write and record a duet with her. Read more

If you don’t believe scandal sells, look at the casting of this movie Read more

For a unique view of what comes with Hollywood’s most sought after ticket, follow Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady’s Oscars blog, written for the Tribeca Film Festival, where their nominated doc, “Jesus Camp,” premiered.

A decade ago, in response to the alarming statistic that only one of more than 130 Oscar nominees was a person of color, the media reported on “The Great Hollywood Blackout,” and that phrase became a rallying cry for fairness. From boardrooms to banks, the media’s focus educated and sensitized the people who made and financed films to the fact that they were neglecting a huge sector of the market.

Perhaps a rallying cry– a slogan– could do the same thing for women.

But what should it be?

In recognition that the statistics indicate that the film industry’s powers-that-be consistently undervalue the creative contributions made by women who’re working in front of and behind the cameras, and underestimate the discretionary purchasing power of women moviegoers who represent at least half of America’s cinema audience, AWFJ is conducting a contest to find a rallying cry (ie. slogan) that will best generate awareness about high degree of neglect of women in film, and of women in the audience and, hopefully, promote change.

The best slogan begets a prize package: an autographed photo of Jane Fonda, an autographed copy of Maitland McDonagh’s “Movie Lust,” DVDs of films by and/or about women, movie posters and other goodies that any movie lover would love to have.

The contest is open to all. To be considered, slogans must be submitted by February 28. To enter, click awfjinc@gmail.com.