MOVIE OF THE WEEK January 22, 2021: IDENTIFYING FEATURES
Heartbreaking and quietly powerful, writer/director Fernanda Valadez’ debut drama Identifying Features shines a light on the complex, tragic realities of
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Author: Jennifer Merin
MOVIE OF THE WEEK January 15, 2021: ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY
The United States has never truly been a democracy, because it has never fully supported voting rights for all of its citizens. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t hope for the future. By focusing specifically on Stacey Abrams’ work and experiences in Georgia, All In reveals the path to true democracy — and, guess what? It works, but it’s hard.
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THE END OF AMERICA — Documentary Retroview by Jennifer Merin
Released in 2008, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundburg’s compelling documentary is a still timely analysis and report about the ten step blueprint to establishing a dictatorship that Hitler and other dictators used to subvert democratic process and put an end to personal freedoms. The film compares, step by step, events leading up to establishment of the Third Reich with what has happened in the United States in recent years. Very convincing. Very scary. And, before it’s absolutely too late to take action, it should be required viewing for anyone old enough to vote, pay taxes or join the army.
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LUCKY GRANDMA – Review by Jennifer Merin
Filmmaker Sasie Sealy’s Lucky Grandma is a darkly comedic drama and unexpectedly poignant action/thriller romp through the intrigued-filled world of an elderly Chinese nainai whose assertive risk-all Atlantic City gambling habit lands her in the middle of a violent gang war in NYC’s Chinatown.
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MOVIE OF THE WEEK January 8, 2021 – Team #MOTW’s Best of 2020
We’re saying a final farewell to 2020, a year that has but few fond memories for most folks. But, among the good remembrances are fine films that sustained us not only by providing stress respite, but also by opening minds to much-needed contemplation about the way we live, and by energizing heartfelt aspirations for change for the better. Throughout the year, AWFJ’s #MOTW feature served as a beacon, a guiding light for moviegoers seeking excellent and inspiring entertainment.
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AWFJ Welcomes New Members in 2021 – Jennifer Merin reports
The Alliance of Women Film Journalists is welcoming four outstanding female film journalists as new members, starting in January 2021. They are film critics, commentators and reporters who hail from across the U.S. and Canada, and represent a wide range of media platforms, including popular and erudite publications, daily newspapers and other print journals, broadcast, podcast and online outlets.
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MOVIE OF THE WEEK January 1, 2021: PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN
Smart, bold, and refreshingly original, Emerald Fennell’s Promising Young Woman marks the feature directorial debut of a major filmmaking talent.
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MOVIE OF THE WEEK December 25, 2020: ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI
Anyone who thinks female directors should stick to telling women’s stories is a) sexist and b) in for a surprise when they watch Regina King’s powerful directorial feature film debut One Night in Miami. Based on Kemp Powers’ same-named 2013 play, it imagines the fascinating conversation that might have happened between activist Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay, singer Sam Cooke, and NFL star Jim Brown had they all found themselves in the same place on the night of February 25, 1964.
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Whistler Film Festival 2020 EDA Award Winners – Jennifer Merin reports
For the eighth consecutive year, the Alliance of Women Film Journalists has had the honor to partner with Whistler Film Festival to recognize women filmmakers with presentation of EDA Awards for Best Female-Directed Feature Film and Best Female-Directed Short at the 2020 festival, held online December 1 to 20, 2020.
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MOVIE OF THE WEEK December 18, 2020: MODERN PERSUASION
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a Jane Austen novel in possession of a memorable heroine must be in want of a contemporary update. Which isn’t always a good thing, but, happily, Alex Appel and Jonathan Lisecki’s Modern Persuasion is sweet and charming enough to please anyone who relishes a good comedy of manners with a side of swoon-worthy romance.
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