BURBANK, CA – 28 July 2015 – When Kathryn Bigelow won the Oscar in 2010 as Best Director of “The Hurt Locker,” her accomplishment carried an expectation that a gateway was now open for female directors. However, no woman has received a Best Director nomination since then.
The ranks of female studio film directors have fallen from 8.1 percent in 2010 to 4.6 percent in 2014, according to an L.A. Times analysis (Feb. 22, 2015). Directors Guild of America’s 2014 statistics show that women directors comprise only 14 percent of their current membership, and head 14 percent of TV directing roles.
The 168 Film Project and Festival is a very bright spot for women. Since its inception in 2003, the 168 Film Project has been a catalyst for launching the careers of the next generation of filmmakers.
This year, over 30 percent of all 168 entries boast women directors, and nearly two-thirds of the entries overall featured women as Producer, Executive Producer, Director or Director of Photography. Entries in the 17-day speed filmmaking contest are based on the Bible.
The 168 Film Festival takes place at the Premiere House at Regal Cinemas LA Live on August 29 - 30, 2015. Tickets are on sale here.
“We encourage women, men, and even children filmmakers to develop and grow in the 168 incubator,” said John David Ware, the contest’s founder and director. “It’s rewarding to see alumni launching their careers and establishing themselves in the film industry.”
Seven-year-old Rachel Lowry entered this year’s 168 contest with her directorial debut, “True Freedom,” the story of a young girl who is wrongly accused of a jewel heist. Lowry wrote, produced, directed and voiced all the roles in the film, which is a contender in 168’s “KidVid” category.
See Rachel's interview with her father here:
Writer/Producer Rachel Lowry – pic by Tim Lowry (dad)
Talisha Henderson's crew told her during production that they could not film on one particular day, and so she went on a date with her boyfriend. "He had hired my crew to record our engagement,” she said, “I got engaged last night! I'm going off pure adrenaline today. This is our fourth year with the 168. I feel much more confident now.”
Talisha Henderson and fiancée Frank Oliver – pic By Vincent McKinney
Second-time producer-writer April Manor returned in 2015 with the comedy, “Die Trying.” “My director, Liz Hewes, has a good rapport with our director of photography. She gave him room to do his job, so egos were left out of it. That lack of ego is magic,” said Manor. Her film is up for four awards, including Best Comedy. Last year these newbies worked with 4-time Emmy Award Winner Michael Learned (“The Waltons”).
April Manor with her Kids On Set in 2015 – pic By John David Ware
(L-R) Director Liz Hewes, 168 Founder John David Ware and Producer April Manor 2014 – pic By Antony Varon
Michael Learned Takes out Trash with Director Liz Hewes 2014-pic By John David Ware
The experience was challenging for “Birdie’s Song” director Shari Rigby. “We lost our script, location and writer at 11 p.m. on Wednesday,” she said. “Just 48 hours prior to the production, we wrote a new script (in 12 hours), complete with all new shots and locations. The 168 really puts you in a pressure cooker. I ran a crew and cast of 40 people. The contest showed us what we’re made of and who we are.” Rigby is also an actor, starring with Stephen Baldwin and Sharman Joshi in an untitled feature that is shooting in India.
Director Shari Rigby and DP Lukas Columbo 2015 – Pic By Isaul Trinidad
Producer/Actress Marianne Haaland in "Birdie's Song" 2015 – pic By Lukas Colombo
Actor/Producer Meredith Adams (Nominated for Best Picture)
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