sexism Archives - New York Women in Film & TelevisionNew York Women in Film & Television

NYWIFT at DOC NYC: In Conversation with Producer Cheryl Staurulakis

NYWIFT member Cheryl Staurulakis recognizes the power of documentary film to change hearts, minds, and even governmental policies – and it’s what drives her as a producer. Her latest film, Phyllis Ellis’s feature documentary Category: Woman, is a perfect example of Staurulakis’s commitment to social impact filmmaking. The film takes a hard look into the racist and sexist policies in global sports and the devastating personal consequences they have inflicted on women athletes around the world. Staurulakis spoke to us about her 2022 DOC NYC screening, racial and gender discrimination in sports, and how she hopes to save the world one documentary at a time.

Cynthia’s Picks: Emmy Noms, Tom Donahue, Member News

Emmy Noms: Congrats to all the NYWIFT members nominated for Primetime Emmy Awards this year! Can’t wait to watch and cheer you all on. Tom Donahue: Check out this great interview with NYWIFT member Tom Donahue on his recent documentary This Changes Everything (exec produced by Board President Simone Pero) and the importance of male...

Women Calling The Shots – A swinging pendulum over an active volcano

NYWIFT Board VP Margarita Sophia Cortes wrote about the recent Hollywood sexual harassment firestorm in our HuffPost column - addressing the importance of speaking out, supporting one another, and no longer letting the boys club get its way.

Terry’s Picks: Shorts Festival, Alias Grace, Culture Shift

Shorts Festival: NYWIFT’s first-ever online film festival is underway! Watch 74 short projects by NYWIFT members now through November 17 on our Fall Shorts Festival on Indevue – you can even log in and live chat with the filmmakers and fans during select “live screenings.” See the schedule for details. Alias Grace: I’m looking forward...

Terry’s Picks: Vicious Cycle, #BYkids PSA, Questionable Casting

Vicious Cycle: The LA Times published a great piece on how “Hollywood’s man problem may be a matter of simple math,” taking an in-depth statistical look at Hollywood’s gender imbalance and how it paves the way for discrimination and harassment. #BYkids PSA: BYkids, a global movement that uses storytelling through film to inform, engage and...

Women’s Stories in Film and the Need for an Authentic Ending

Why is it that when men make poignant films about a male’s coming-of-age, they are allowed to explore the pain, heartache, betrayal, danger, and the need for getting even or choosing a lesser evil to right a wrong—while women-centric films are expected to carry out a fairy tale romance? NYWIFT member Heidi Philipsen tackled this question as she made her first feature film.

NYWIFT’s Statement on Sexual Harassment and Abuse in the Entertainment Industry

NYWIFT's thoughts on Harvey Weinstein, systemic sexism, community support and legal guidance.

Terry’s Picks: Inexcusable Behavior, Frances McDormand, Timeless Issue

Inexcusable Behavior: Hollywood was rocked by a New York Times exposé of on decades of sexual harassment allegations leveled at producer Harvey Weinstein. This story is pervasive at all levels of the industry, and we’ve heard similar stories from many of our members. While Weinstein may be the most hypocritical and highest profile, this type...

Terry’s Picks: Ambitious Woman, Big Inspiration, Sarah Polley

Ambitious Woman: Reese Witherspoon wants to change the idea that a woman with ambition is only out for herself. Big Inspiration: Check out Time’s “46 Women Leaders who are Changing the World.” Sarah Polley: Actor, writer, and director Sarah Polley talks frankly about sexism on set (which she experienced as early as age nine) and...

Terry’s Picks: Casting Couch, Create NYC, Sherry Lansing

Casting Couch: The Guardian sheds light on the all-too-common phenomenon of the “casting couch culture,” featuring important insight from NYWIFT member Meissa Hampton. This has to stop, and kudos to Meissa and all the other women who speak out about it. Create NYC: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom...

Terry’s Picks: Zookeeper’s Wife, Female Friendship, Theresa Rebeck

Zookeeper’s Wife: USA Today highlights the team behind The Zookeeper’s Wife, which might be the most women-populated crew in Hollywood history. Female Friendship: Grace and Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin talk about aging in Hollywood, women’s sexuality and the importance of female friendship. Theresa Rebeck: In an excerpt from her essay for the...

Terry’s Picks: Emmy Rossum, Union Workers, Girls Revolt

Emmy Rossum: Good for Emmy Rossum, who would not sign on for the next season of Shameless (and subsequently delayed the show’s renewal!) until she was guaranteed a higher salary. Union Workers: The New York Times ran a great feature on some of the crew women in TV & film production who fought to join...

Terry’s Picks: Meryl Streep, Mila Kunis, Inequality Below-the-Line

Meryl Streep: Congrats to Meryl Streep, longtime friend of NYWIFT and funder of The Writers Lab, who will receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2017 Golden Globes. Mila Kunis: When a male producer told Mila Kunis she “will never work in this town again” after she refused to pose semi-nude, she took action....

Terry’s Picks: Mad Libs, Loving Lily, Sophomore Slump

Mad Libs: Magazine profiles of Hollywood women unfortunately often lack depth. Use The Cut’s exclusive Mad Libs men’s-magazine profile generator, and you too can write a profile of a female celebrity. It’s fun…and frightening. Loving Lily: Congrats to NYWIFT Muse honoree Lily Tomlin, who will receive the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award at the SAG-AFTRA Awards...

Terry’s Picks: Women Speak Out, Jessica Jones, Carol

Speak out: The New York Times published a comprehensive look at women directors and executives, taking aim at the vicious cycle of sexism that pervades the industry. Super woman: This weekend’s big binge watch was Marvel’s new Netflix series, Jessica Jones. Many are calling it one of the best superhero shows ever, and it has...

WEEKLY ROUNDUP: IT’S HAMMER’S TIME, SOME TRUTHS & THAT SCARE.

Photo | Mary Rozzi Bonnie Hammer turned 65 and so should every other women in Hollywood! Samantha Bee’s new late night show Full Frontal will certainly be ballsy. Here’s the real reason women don’t direct action movies. (VIDEO) “Ass plus chair” and other tips from screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna. NBC correspondent Nancy Snyderman (finally) explains her actions...

WEEKLY ROUNDUP: THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM, HOLLYWOOD SEXISM & WALL STREET

Erin Baiano for The New York Times History is made as Anne Pasternak becomes The Brooklyn Museum’s 1st female director. She’s baaack! Nikki Finke’s new website promises great fiction and proceeds to writers. “It’s an intense sickness.” Melissa McCarthy, Salma Hayek, Aishwarya Rai & Parker Posey discuss Hollywood’s sexism. Dear Writers, screencraft.org has screenwriting contests. Deadlines...

WEEKLY ROUNDUP: BLYTHE DANNER, CANNES DO’s & A.C.L.U. DONT’S

Blythe Danner returns to the small screen as Ruth Madoff. (VIDEO) The Nightly Show head writer Robin Thede reveals writing styles that get HER attention. Here’s the Cannes Film Festival lineup we’ve been hearing about. Bessie Director Dee Rees on Latifah’s frontal nudity and finally seeing herself on screen. Actress Rebel Wilson did her own Pitch Perfect 2 stunts...

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