The Women+Film Festival, an annual event dedicated to highlighting female filmmakers and advancing gender equality in cinema, will take place from May 30 to June 1 at the Sie FilmCenter.
This year marks the 16th edition of the festival, coinciding with a troubling snapshot of women’s representation in the film industry.
Last year, only 20 percent of directors behind the top 100 grossing films were women, and only 8 percent of films produced in 2024 featured 10 or more women in key creative roles, compared to 70 percent that employed 10 or more men.
In an effort to elevate the voices and contributions of women in film, the Women+Film Festival showcases a diverse lineup of films, including 10 feature films and six shorts.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore a marketplace featuring local, women-owned businesses, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among women creatives.
A highlight of this year’s festival will be Julia Stiles, renowned for her role in “10 Things I Hate About You,” receiving the 2025 Barbara Bridges Inspiration Award during a luncheon on Friday.
Following the award presentation, Stiles will debut her directorial venture, “Wish You Were Here.”
Ambriehl Turrentine, programming manager at Denver Film, expressed excitement about the festival, emphasizing not only the high caliber of films presented but also the robust schedule of events designed to engage attendees.
One of the standout features of this year’s festival is “Time and Other Materials,” a documentary focusing on local artists in Colorado.
The festival will also feature various panels and discussions, including a conversation about sexuality with filmmakers and intimacy coordinators, as well as a discussion on moral panic led by journalists and library directors.
In addition to screenings, festivalgoers can mingle during a mixer presented by Women in Film and Media Colorado.
With such a rich lineup, Turrentine shared her top five must-see film selections for the festival.
“My Favourite Cake” will screen on Saturday, May 31, at 4:30 p.m.
Directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha, this fictional dramedy tells the story of a 70-year-old widow in Iran who leads a solitary life that is unexpectedly transformed by an encounter that sparks a late-in-life romance.
The film explores themes of censorship in Iran, particularly concerning women, and is structured around the events of a single day, providing a focused and charming narrative.
Later that day, at 7 p.m., the festival will showcase “Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore,” a documentary directed by Shoshannah Stern that chronicles the life of Marlee Matlin, the first Deaf actor to win an Academy Award.
The film, which premiered at Sundance, dives into the challenges Matlin faced after gaining fame at a young age.
Turrentine notes that Stern, who is also Deaf, brings a uniquely empathetic perspective to this important story.
On Sunday, June 1, the festival will present “A Mother Apart” at 1:45 p.m., a feature film directed by Laurie Townshend.
This 88-minute film follows LGBTQ+ activist Staceyann Chin as she navigates her complex relationship with her mother while reflecting on how that relationship influences her own parenting.
Townshend will host a workshop after the screening that focuses on storytelling from marginalized perspectives.
At 4:30 p.m. on the same day, the festival’s closing-night film, “The Librarians,” directed by Kim A. Snyder, will shine a light on the vital role of librarians and the ongoing battle for free speech.
The film captures the courage of book defenders fighting against censorship, weaving together themes of LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and the everyday heroism of those who protect access to knowledge.
Following the film, audiences can engage in a discussion with one of the librarians featured in the documentary and its producer.
The festival also highlights the local documentary “Time and Other Materials,” directed by Amie Knox, which promises an intimate look at the creative processes of several distinguished Colorado artists, including Stacey Steers, Kim Dickey, Ana María Hernando, Rebecca DiDomenico, and Martha Russo.
Knox shared the inspiration behind producing this documentary and how her connections with the featured artists played a pivotal role in its creation.
Having been close friends with the artists and aware of their informal collective, Knox found the group’s dynamics fascinating.
She aimed to capture their unique voices and experiences, allowing each artist to share distinct perspectives in the film.
Chad Herschberger, the film’s producer, emphasized the importance of presenting the artists’ unique identities amidst their shared experiences.
“The film is divided into five segments, allowing each of the artists to speak for themselves,” Herschberger noted.
The filming process was relatively straightforward, involving a small crew and focused shoots that centered around interviews and behind-the-scenes moments in the artists’ studios.
Addressing the challenges of the filming, Herschberger mentioned the need to accurately represent the artists’ stories while maintaining a simple yet engaging narrative style.
For individuals unable to attend the Women+Film Festival, Knox mentioned that “Time and Other Materials” will screen again in Boulder at the Dairy Arts Center on June 16, with potential future showings in additional local venues.
Ultimately, Knox hopes that the documentary inspires viewers, not just creatively, but also in a broader sense of community and support among women.
She remarked on the relationships among the featured artists, highlighting their collaborative spirit that defies stereotypes regarding competition among women.
Herschberger added that he hopes the film encourages viewers to consider their place in the world and how they relate to others, promoting kindness and understanding.
As the Women+Film Festival approaches, it stands as a beacon of hope and celebration for women filmmakers, artisans, and audiences alike, creating a platform for stories that deserve to be told.
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