Women's History Month on Kanopy

Kanopy, the movie-streaming database, is featuring two categories in recognition of Women’s History Month.  The first category is entitled Notable Figures in Women’s History.  They also have a category of films entitled Directed by Women.  The links provided will take you directly to the categories, or if you scroll down the homepage, you will see both of these categories listed. You will need to log in on Kanopy in order to follow the links.  You may view up to 6 movies per month.  The following are a sample of the movies available and the descriptions are from Kanopy. 

Notable Figures in Women's History

RBG (2018)

At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. Explore her unique and unknown personal journey of her rise to the nation's highest court.

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise (2017)

Distinctly referred to as "a redwood tree, with deep roots in American culture," Dr. Maya Angelou (April 4, 1928-May 28, 2014) led a prolific life. As a singer, dancer, activist, poet and writer, she inspired generations with lyrical modern African-American thought that pushed boundaries. Best known for her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Random House), she gave people the freedom to think about their history in a way they never had before.

With unprecedented access, filmmakers Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack trace Dr. Angelou's incredible journey, shedding light on the untold aspects of her life through never-before-seen footage, rare archival photographs and videos and her own words.

Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2012)

An intimate portrait and a vibrant celebration of one of the most influential women of the twentieth century -- an enduring icon who has had a strong influence on the course of fashion, beauty, publishing and culture.

During Diana Vreeland's fifty year reign as the "Empress of Fashion," she launched Twiggy, advised Jackie Onassis, and established countless trends that have withstood the test of time. She was the fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar where she worked for twenty-five years before becoming editor-in-chief of Vogue, followed by a remarkable stint at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, where she helped popularize its historical collections.

Directed by Women

Miss Representation (2011)

Like drawing back a curtain to let bright light stream in, MISS REPRESENTATION uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.

Afghan Cycles: Afghan Women Fighting for Independence by Riding Bicycles (2018)

Following a new generation of young Afghan women cyclists, AFGHAN CYCLES uses the bicycle to tell a story of women's rights - human rights - and the struggles faced by Afghan women on a daily basis, from discrimination to abuse, to the oppressive silencing of their voices in all aspects of contemporary society. These women ride despite cultural barriers, despite infrastructure, and despite death threats, embracing the power and freedom that comes with the sport.

A Classy Broad: The First Woman Vice President at United Artists (2016)

At a time when gender inequality seems to be at the forefront in Hollywood, Marcia Nasatir's story is one fueled by reservoirs of feminism and movie palace intrigue.

Director Anne Goursaud, known for her editing work in Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders and Bram Stoker's Dracula, walks viewers through how Marcia's passion for storytelling led her to work in publishing and ultimately out West in film, eventually becoming VP of Production at United Artists. An achievement no other woman before her had ever accomplished.

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