I am closing out my first steemit contest--a special project for feminists and film buffs! <3 Ultimately, I wound up with 12 amazing entries (y’all, it was HARD to pick!).
To recap on what exactly The Bechdel Test is:
The Bechdel Test examines whether women in films are portrayed as three-dimensional human beings with a range of lived experience and interests that do not revolve around men. The primary criteria for a film to pass the test are:
(1) it has to have at least two women in it
(2) who talk to each other
(3) about something besides a man.
My challenge was to review a movie that passed the test. View the full contest here!
In no particular order, here are the winners of The Bechdel Con(test)!
FRANCES HA | Film review by @natureofbeing. This is a beautifully written post that explores not only The Bechdel Test and the film, but also the nature of female friendship. It’s a wonderfully affirming read that explores the many types of relationships we need in life to flourish.
But the underlying theme throughout is how deeply this woman Frances needs her closest female relationship and how this friendship is actually the glue that gives her life context and joy. It's the foundation for her safety and sense of self and with this friendship she feels secure in growing personally, creatively and knows her place in the scheme of things.
THE JOY LUCK CLUB | Film review by @eaglespirit. A wonderfully engaging read that is easy to relate to--plus it doesn’t hurt that the film is inspiring not only because it features a powerhouse female cast, but it also has a powerhouse female creative team. I love when women are leading behind-the-scenes too!
The plight of women over the generations and what many have had to endure in many countries is discussed. The mothers in the film fought to make a different life for their daughters by enduring a change of culture by moving to the United States. The pride for each daughter was evident. I have felt this same type of love from my own mother. It is an inexpressible joy for mothers to have a daughter achieve what they could not in life; to graduate from college, to have the freedom of speech or sexuality, and to have the freedom to choose.
WHIP IT | Film review by @didic. This review is a shorter read than the first two, but it’s to the point, features a movie that just stacks up in every way, and leaves me wanting more. Plus, this write-up introduced me to The Mako Mori Test (invaluable!). There’s no-one more badass than roller derby gals in my eyes! And this one also features a rockin’ female creative team.
It was written by a woman, Shauna Cross, based on her own novel "Derby Girl." It was directed and produced by a woman, Drew Barrymore, who also plays a supporting character. And it shows. It isn't objectifying, it isn't male gaze-y. It tells the story of a young woman in the same way countless sports films have told the stories of young men.
I have a few other posts I’d like to give an extra shoutout and a little love to the tune of $0.50 SBD!
First, a newcomer to steemit who wrote a well thought-out and interesting post about a piece of art cinema featuring two women.
NEWS FROM HOME | Film review by @azizsedaqat.
Second, the entry that made me smile the most was about one of my favorite old movies.
MARY POPPINS| Film review by @mandelsage.
Third, an entry on the film I would have would have wrote about/entered myself if I were participating!
THELMA AND LOUISE | Film review by @ahs.
These authors also wrote lovely pieces about fantastic movies featuring strong women that you may want to check out. I know I’ll be watching a few off this list!
