The Women’s Museum of California is hosting its 8th Annual San Diego Women’s Film Festival on Sept. 17-26, with 22 curated films by female filmmakers for livestreaming. Virtual passes to screen all films online are $15, with individual films priced at $5 each. Film list and tickets. The San Diego Women’s Film Festival will showcase women-directed films – premiering in San Diego for the first time – from across the globe and host panel discussions on the status of women in the film industry to spotlight and close the gender gap in Hollywood. The films span genres and topics, including romance, comedy, science fiction, animation, documentary and experimental works highlighting gender equality, sexism, reproductive rights, domestic violence and more. Of timely note, the Festival features “The 8th” about the fight and removal of Ireland’s 8th Amendment – a constitutional ban on abortion. “The 8th” includes voices from both sides of the debate, with its primary focus is on the dynamic female leaders of the pro-choice campaign. The film summary describes it as “an urgent narrative, a cautionary tale and a roadmap for progressive reforms in a modern era where authoritarianism is on the rise … at a time when reproductive rights are threatened around the world.” This year’s event also features three topical panels – all free to the general public: · "Status of Women in Film” virtual panel discussion available for free to all on the Festival streaming platform. The discussion features San Diego International Film Festival CEO Tonya Mantooth and filmmaker Michelle Gritzer, known for her female-driven shorts and web series, as well as working on “House,” “Veep” and “GLOW.” · “The 8th” Panel – Featuring the filmmakers, representatives from the Women’s March SD and more, this lively panel will be available for free on the Festival streaming platform. · Sunday, Sept. 26 – The festival culminates with the free virtual Filmmaker Brunch and Award Show at 10 a.m., with top prizes given in select categories and announcement of the prestigious Student Filmmaker Scholarship. During the program attendees are invited to ask participating festival filmmakers questions about their films, careers and creative inspiration. Full film, panel and ticket information can be found here, or call the museum at 619-233-7963. About the Women’s Museum of California: The San Diego-based Women’s Museum of California is the only museum in California and one of five in the United States exclusively dedicated to women’s history. The museum’s vast archives, growing collections and administration offices are located at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. Learn more at womensmuseumca.org.
