By Emma Coleman, First Year, English
Before we discuss the flick picks, we must first understand what Women's History Month is and why we celebrate it. This month is for raising awareness on women's contributions throughout history, and International Women's Day on March 8th is a day to recognise female achievement and the ongoing importance of striving for gender equality. In 1903, Emmeline Pankhurst set up the Women's Social and Political Union, and the suffragette movement began. Consequently, in 1928 all women over 21-years-old eventually gained the right to vote under the Equal Franchise Act, followed by obtaining positions in government, access to education and much more. So let’s celebrate these talented women on the big screen through films that could not have existed without this boundlessly important history.
Freedom Writers (2007)
Directed by Richard LaGravenese, this film is not as ‘unrecognised’ as my other picks, yet its subversion of female stereotypes and link to race issues makes it too significant to gloss over. The story follows a dedicated teacher, Erin Gruwell (Hilary Swank), working in a Los Angeles school where the students are divided and aggressive towards one another as a result of their rival gangs. Rather than giving up, Erin inspires her students to take their future into their own hands and not let it be dictated by their hostile surroundings. Women are often stereotyped as deeply caring and emotional, making them suitable for jobs such as teaching and nursing – this film plays on this generalisation, showing how Erin deeply cares for her students and thus transforms the school and shapes the next generation in a powerful way. Here is the crazy part: the film is based on the non-fiction book, ‘The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them’, which compiled real diary entries from students at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in California during real-life Erin’s career as a teacher. We hear so many influential female voices in this film and we learn that success is rarely handed out on a platter, but regardless can be achieved through hard-work and community.
True Spirit (2023)
My next recommendation is a more recent film that follows the journey of a determined Australian teenager, Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft) as she chases her dreams to become the youngest solo sailor to travel around the world. Her journey is not smooth-sailing (sorry for the pun) and she risks her life to pursue her passion, facing loneliness, numerous storms and depression over the course of her 210 days at sea. Jessica Watson has written two books (including the book this film is based on in 2010) and, despite her young age and dyslexia, they were highly successful. The inclusion of the song ‘I Made It’ by Tones and I is a truly moving moment in the film and encapsulates the message to be brave and live fearlessly, even when no one believes you can achieve something. The director, Sarah Spillane, beautifully brings Jessica’s journey to life and allows us to all celebrate with her in this modern film. This is a truly inspiring story teaching us to never give up on our dreams – if a 16-year-old can circumnavigate the globe by herself, what can’t you do!
Made in Dagenham (2010)
Made in Dagenham is a more light-hearted option to celebrate Women's History Month and, whilst dealing with the very serious issue of the pay gap, it takes the form of a comedic drama. Take a dive into the late 1960s and revel in the glory of the women who helped shape the world that modern women enjoy today. Sally Hawkins, as Rita O’Grady, provides a witty and moving performance, supported and challenged by her partner Eddie O’Grady (Daniel Mays) and the factory’s union representative Albert Passingham (Bob Hoskins). The film also celebrates the men that have made female liberation possible, who should not be forgotten. The film dramatizes the Ford sewing machinists' strike in Dagenham that ultimately led to the Equal Pay Act in 1970 – a huge stepping stone in feminism. In 2014, a musical version of this film was performed at the Adelphi Theatre, which is also a phenomenal watch. When injustice is rejected and women band together, change is forced upon society, which has been seen on many momentous occasions in history prior to and following this standout strike.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)
My final recommendation transports us into the world of science, where we must consider how medicine has historically been a male-dominated field. The film follows the journey of Deborah Lacks (Oprah Winfrey) attempting to uncover the legacy of her mother, Henrietta (Renée Elise Goldsberry), whose cancerous cells were unknowingly taken after her death and used by doctors to create the oldest immortalised cell line. This led to outstanding scientific advancements, such as in the treatment of Parkinson's and leukaemia. This film represents all the women who have been lost in history: authors, activists, scientists–with their achievements overshadowed by men. With its key theme in historical injustice, this film may be an intense watch, but perfect for a serious reflection and solemn commemoration of womanhood.
What’s your favourite film to celebrate Women's History Month?
