The 8th Annual Imagine This Women’s Film Festival is back with a compelling lineup. This year’s showcase features a captivating selection of 112 films, including 12 highly anticipated world premieres, 27 regional premieres designed to captivate audiences, and an impressive lineup of 13 North American premieres. Additionally, 15 films are set to premiere exclusively in the vibrant city of New York, further enhancing the festival’s allure.
Film enthusiasts can revel in three days of in-person screenings at Regal Battery Park, followed by an extended online showcase available until October 1st. The festival kicks off on September 22 with the North American premiere of Heights and Depths, an emotionally charged film that explores themes of loss. The movie portrays the poignant story of Hilda Sterczer, the widow of the internationally renowned mountaineer, Zsolt Erőss. The film stars Romanian actress Emőke Pál and Ukrainian actor Zsolt Trill.
Additional screening programs comprise of diverse and compelling content. Hello, Muscles under the direction of Marnie Baxter and featuring Kate Dickieand Richard Rankin, portrays the journey of a young girl on the brink of entering secondary school as she grapples with her responsibilities as a young caregiver. Ivan, by first-time filmmaker Jazz Pitcairn in collaboration with producer Frank E Flowers, starring Sasha Lane, takes viewers on an emotional odyssey that underscores a mother’s unwavering love and fortitude. Returning to the director’s chair for the second time, actress Rose McIver presents To The Death, a dark comedy delving into the rivalry of two South Asian actresses who must battle for a coveted role. Look Back at It, helmed by Felicia Pride, intricately weaves a drama of intergenerational relationships, inviting contemplation on the intricate tapestry of human connections.
Concluding the festival with the New York premiere of Jess Plus None, helmed by director Mandy Fabian, and producer Patrick Fabian. With a constellation of talent featuring Abby Miller, Rory O’Malley, Marielle Scott, and Matt Walsh, the film unveils the tale of an unwilling maid-of-honor who finds herself obligated to partake in her best friend’s unconventional woodland wedding. This unforeseen journey prompts her to face her past flame, her accomplished college comrades, and the pivotal life decisions she has navigated.
A pivotal panel discussion titled Shattering Boundaries: Honoring Diverse BIPOC Storytellers. This enlightening discussion will feature a distinguished panel of industry luminaries, including Academy Award-winning director Carlos López Estrada, Aeryn Michelle Williams, NAACP Image Award-winning director Nzingha Stewart, and two-time Emmy award-winning filmmaker Linda Mendoza. Moderated by John Gibson, Vice President of External and Multicultural Affairs at Motion Picture Association, Inc., the discussion will be accessible on ITWIFF’s YouTube Channel.
For the full lineup and screening details for the 8th Annual Imagine This Women’s Film Festival visit www.imaginethiswomensfilmfestival.org.