Magnolia Pictures and Participant have released the trailer for “The Grab,” a new documentary from “Blackfish” director Gabriela Cowperthwaite.
“The Grab,” described as a global thriller, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they try to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. The film takes you “around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats,” per the official logline.
“’The Grab’ is a thrilling look at urgent threats to our national security and our very way of life,” said Courtney Sexton, Participant’s executive vice president, Documentary Film and Television. “We are proud to help bring this incredible film to life and are excited that it is part of our legacy.”
Last month, Variety exclusively reported that Participant was shutting down after 20 years.
“The Grab,” described as a global thriller, follows journalists from The Center for Investigative Reporting as they try to uncover the money and influence being used by countries, corporations and members of the uber elite to control the planet’s most vital resources. The film takes you “around the globe from Arizona to Zambia, to reveal one of the world’s biggest and least known threats,” per the official logline.
“’The Grab’ is a thrilling look at urgent threats to our national security and our very way of life,” said Courtney Sexton, Participant’s executive vice president, Documentary Film and Television. “We are proud to help bring this incredible film to life and are excited that it is part of our legacy.”
Last month, Variety exclusively reported that Participant was shutting down after 20 years.
- 5/8/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Dozens of top Hollywood creatives and activists have signed an open letter in response to the shuttering of production company Participant — imploring the industry to continue to effect change through film and television as the defunct company once did.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
George Clooney, Aflonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke, civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson, Color of Change president Rashad Robinson and more are signators, in addition to groups like GLAAD and Human Rights Watch. The letter was coordinated by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (Ndwa), which collaborated with Participant and director Cuarón on a visibility campaign for his 2018 Oscar winner “Roma.”
“As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever,” the letter states. “There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
MeToo founder Tarana Burke has spoken out defiantly in response to the overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction, the BBC reports.
Burke, who first coined the phrase MeToo to describe women victims of sexual abuse as early as 2006, and saw it gain worldwide recognition in 2017 in the light of accusations against Weinstein, said: “This is not a blow to the movement. It is a clarion call and we are prepared to answer that call.”
This comes after New York Court of Appeals ruled that the disgraced producer did not receive a fair trial in 2020, and ordered he face a new trial.
While Weinstein’s lawyer called the decision “a victory for every criminal defendant in the state of New York,” Burke was among many people criticising the decision. The BBC quotes her saying:
“We are devastated for the survivors who are connected to this case and the survivors who...
Burke, who first coined the phrase MeToo to describe women victims of sexual abuse as early as 2006, and saw it gain worldwide recognition in 2017 in the light of accusations against Weinstein, said: “This is not a blow to the movement. It is a clarion call and we are prepared to answer that call.”
This comes after New York Court of Appeals ruled that the disgraced producer did not receive a fair trial in 2020, and ordered he face a new trial.
While Weinstein’s lawyer called the decision “a victory for every criminal defendant in the state of New York,” Burke was among many people criticising the decision. The BBC quotes her saying:
“We are devastated for the survivors who are connected to this case and the survivors who...
- 4/27/2024
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
On Thursday, #MeToo founder Tarana Burke voiced her disappointment at Harvey Weinstein’s conviction being overturned by the New York Court of Appeals at a press conference in New York City.
Burke said the #MeToo movement will continue the fight to make sure survivors of sexual abuse are protected. “When we have low moments, we get low and we get dirty and we do what we have to do. We get in the trenches and we do our work, and we will continue to do that,” she said, according to multiple outlets’ coverage of the press conference. “The outcome of this case doesn’t change that.”
The activist also expressed that she was “devastated for the survivors who are connected to this case and the survivors who have found some solace and catharsis in the original verdict around Harvey Weinstein.”
However, in a video shared by The Guardian from the press conference,...
Burke said the #MeToo movement will continue the fight to make sure survivors of sexual abuse are protected. “When we have low moments, we get low and we get dirty and we do what we have to do. We get in the trenches and we do our work, and we will continue to do that,” she said, according to multiple outlets’ coverage of the press conference. “The outcome of this case doesn’t change that.”
The activist also expressed that she was “devastated for the survivors who are connected to this case and the survivors who have found some solace and catharsis in the original verdict around Harvey Weinstein.”
However, in a video shared by The Guardian from the press conference,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ashley Judd has said that the overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction by New York Court of Appeals on Thursday was “institutional betrayal”.
“This today is an act of institutional betrayal,” Judd told a press conference of the 4-3 majority ruling by the court. “And our institutions betrayed survivors of male sexual violence.”
Judd, one of the first women to speak out against alleged sexual harassment by Weinstein in 2017, was in New York advocating at the United Nations in favour of eliminating all forms of harassment and male sexual violence in the world of work.
“I stand shoulder to...
“This today is an act of institutional betrayal,” Judd told a press conference of the 4-3 majority ruling by the court. “And our institutions betrayed survivors of male sexual violence.”
Judd, one of the first women to speak out against alleged sexual harassment by Weinstein in 2017, was in New York advocating at the United Nations in favour of eliminating all forms of harassment and male sexual violence in the world of work.
“I stand shoulder to...
- 4/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
For years, people have “heard grumblings and whispers” — as #MeToo founder Tarana Burke puts it — about the questionable behavior of Sean “Diddy” Combs.
“But I think the question,” Burke adds, “was there ever going to be any level of accountability?”
Five months ago, Combs’ life dramatically changed. Singer Cassie, the music mogul’s former partner and a recording artist, sued him for sexual assault and said he repeatedly raped and physically abused her for nearly a decade; they reached a settlement two days later. But subsequent lawsuits from more women followed with claims of rape and sexual assault, and in February producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones — who worked on Combs’ recent Grammy-nominated album — accused the entrepreneur of harassing and trafficking him. Christian Combs, the entertainer’s 26-year-old son, has been accused of sex assault in a lawsuit filed this week that also listed 54-year-old Combs as a defendant, multiple outlets reported.
“But I think the question,” Burke adds, “was there ever going to be any level of accountability?”
Five months ago, Combs’ life dramatically changed. Singer Cassie, the music mogul’s former partner and a recording artist, sued him for sexual assault and said he repeatedly raped and physically abused her for nearly a decade; they reached a settlement two days later. But subsequent lawsuits from more women followed with claims of rape and sexual assault, and in February producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones — who worked on Combs’ recent Grammy-nominated album — accused the entrepreneur of harassing and trafficking him. Christian Combs, the entertainer’s 26-year-old son, has been accused of sex assault in a lawsuit filed this week that also listed 54-year-old Combs as a defendant, multiple outlets reported.
- 4/5/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This festival season brought with it a pair of ambitious adaptations of scholarly texts. In Venice, Ava DuVernay premiered Origin, a narrative take on Isabel Wilkerson’s tome, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. The Selma director anchored her adaptation in a tender love story, using Wilkerson’s personal life to understand the intellectual and emotional labor supporting the book’s framework. And at the Toronto International Film Festival, Roger Ross Williams debuted his own film translation of an influential text on race.
In Stamped From the Beginning, Williams uses Ibram X. Kendi’s book of the same name to recast the narrators of Black history. The documentary, which will premiere on Netflix in November, convenes contemporary Black women scholars and organizers to synthesize and contextualize Kendi’s central thesis. The author makes the briefest appearances throughout the film, attesting to Williams’ mission to center Black women.
There’s a...
In Stamped From the Beginning, Williams uses Ibram X. Kendi’s book of the same name to recast the narrators of Black history. The documentary, which will premiere on Netflix in November, convenes contemporary Black women scholars and organizers to synthesize and contextualize Kendi’s central thesis. The author makes the briefest appearances throughout the film, attesting to Williams’ mission to center Black women.
There’s a...
- 9/19/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
When it comes to activism, Rosie Perez isn’t one to merely lob a tweet. She was arrested for disorderly conduct in 2000 while protesting the U.S. Navy’s deadly air bomb training off the coast of Puerto Rico. And the Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress, whose mother died of AIDS, served on President Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, beginning in 2010.
On Tuesday, she put the spotlight on first responders at Variety‘s Power of Women luncheon, presented by Lifetime, in New York City. The “White Men Can’t Jump” actress highlighted the Heart 9/11 charity organization, which was founded in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terror attack that crippled Perez’s hometown, New York City.
Perez was honored at this year’s Power of Women event alongside Judy Blume, Natasha Lyonne, Kelly Ripa and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Perez was introduced by her “Do the Right Thing” director Spike Lee, who...
On Tuesday, she put the spotlight on first responders at Variety‘s Power of Women luncheon, presented by Lifetime, in New York City. The “White Men Can’t Jump” actress highlighted the Heart 9/11 charity organization, which was founded in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terror attack that crippled Perez’s hometown, New York City.
Perez was honored at this year’s Power of Women event alongside Judy Blume, Natasha Lyonne, Kelly Ripa and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. Perez was introduced by her “Do the Right Thing” director Spike Lee, who...
- 4/4/2023
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
Tonya Mosley’s Truth Be Told podcast, which explores Black liberation through multiple lenses, has struck a deal with Apm Studios that will include the production of a new limited series with Mosley debuting in 2024.
The podcast was originally produced and distributed by Kqed before Mosley, an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist and regular interviewer on NPR’s Fresh Air, took the show independent. Now, Apm Studios — the podcasting arm of American Public Media — will handle ad sales, marketing and distribution for Truth Be Told.
“Tonya Mosley is one of the most talented hosts in media and we’re beyond excited to work with her at Apm Studios,” Joanne Griffith, Apm Studios’ chief content officer, said. “As the industry moves towards telling more nuanced stories of Black America and other people of color, Tonya is already leading the way with ‘Truth Be Told’ and we look forward to building on this together.
The podcast was originally produced and distributed by Kqed before Mosley, an Emmy-winning broadcast journalist and regular interviewer on NPR’s Fresh Air, took the show independent. Now, Apm Studios — the podcasting arm of American Public Media — will handle ad sales, marketing and distribution for Truth Be Told.
“Tonya Mosley is one of the most talented hosts in media and we’re beyond excited to work with her at Apm Studios,” Joanne Griffith, Apm Studios’ chief content officer, said. “As the industry moves towards telling more nuanced stories of Black America and other people of color, Tonya is already leading the way with ‘Truth Be Told’ and we look forward to building on this together.
- 3/30/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
SXSW has unveiled William Shatner, Jen Psaki and Tilda Swinton as among the latest additions to the speaker lineup for the upcoming conference and festival in Austin, Texas. The 37th annual edition of SXSW will celebrate the convergence of film, television, music and technology from March 10-19.
Other notables joining the lineup include Chef José Andrés, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Chelsea Manning and New Order band members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert.
Hugh Forrest, SXSW’s chief programming officer and co-president said, “Today’s speaker announcement is a fantastic milestone for the 2023 event and spotlights four additional Keynotes and numerous Featured Speakers, including influential icons and up and coming innovators.” Forrest added, “We are extremely proud to have assembled a diverse, comprehensive conference program for SXSW, and we can’t wait to share it with our community in March.”
See the full list of newly...
Other notables joining the lineup include Chef José Andrés, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Chelsea Manning and New Order band members Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert.
Hugh Forrest, SXSW’s chief programming officer and co-president said, “Today’s speaker announcement is a fantastic milestone for the 2023 event and spotlights four additional Keynotes and numerous Featured Speakers, including influential icons and up and coming innovators.” Forrest added, “We are extremely proud to have assembled a diverse, comprehensive conference program for SXSW, and we can’t wait to share it with our community in March.”
See the full list of newly...
- 2/14/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Tilda Swinton and chef José Andrés are among the next round of keynote speakers announced for South by Southwest 2023.
Event organizers announced Tuesday the next round of keynote speakers, featured speakers and keynote sessions confirmed for SXSW, which celebrates the convergence of technology, film, television, and music.
Members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-nominated rock band New Order, Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, as well as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Margo Price join Chopra Jonas and Swinton as keynotes. Additional featured speakers will include Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Chelsea Handler, William Shatner, Chelsea Manning and more.
Previously announced Keynote speakers include Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert in conversation with Katie Couric.
Set as featured speakers for the 37th edition of the annual conference are Chair and CEO of General Motors Mary Barra; CEO, Cto, President, and co-founder of Cruise and co-founder of Twitch Kyle Vogt...
Event organizers announced Tuesday the next round of keynote speakers, featured speakers and keynote sessions confirmed for SXSW, which celebrates the convergence of technology, film, television, and music.
Members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-nominated rock band New Order, Bernard Sumner, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert, as well as Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Margo Price join Chopra Jonas and Swinton as keynotes. Additional featured speakers will include Kristen Bell, Dax Shepard, Chelsea Handler, William Shatner, Chelsea Manning and more.
Previously announced Keynote speakers include Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert in conversation with Katie Couric.
Set as featured speakers for the 37th edition of the annual conference are Chair and CEO of General Motors Mary Barra; CEO, Cto, President, and co-founder of Cruise and co-founder of Twitch Kyle Vogt...
- 2/14/2023
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The #MeToo Moment made its way to Hollywood in 2017 amid the allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Many actors spoke up, and soon, the need for more focus on how women are treated in show business became apparent. Actor Michelle Williams has addressed this topic, especially as it concerns pay disparity between men and women in the entertainment industry. She explains why she feels more powerful since movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp.
Michelle Williams discusses the #MeToo movement Michelle Williams attends the photocall for “Showing Up” during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 28, 2022 in Cannes, France. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
As the movement hit Hollywood, it became clear that there are many women affected by sexual harassment and assault in the industry. More and more voices chimed in, addressing incidents from the past and present. Many big-name creators faced scrutiny, including Bryan Singer (the X-Men franchise...
Michelle Williams discusses the #MeToo movement Michelle Williams attends the photocall for “Showing Up” during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 28, 2022 in Cannes, France. | Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
As the movement hit Hollywood, it became clear that there are many women affected by sexual harassment and assault in the industry. More and more voices chimed in, addressing incidents from the past and present. Many big-name creators faced scrutiny, including Bryan Singer (the X-Men franchise...
- 2/3/2023
- by Robert Arissen
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Viola Davis, Tyler Perry, Justin Timberlake and Questlove were among the Hollywood notables sharing reactions on social media about Tyre Nichols, who died earlier this month following an altercation with Memphis Police Department officers during a traffic stop in Tennessee.
Body camera and surveillance video of the Jan. 7 stop was released Friday, showing the beating that led to the 29-year-old’s hospitalization and death from his injuries. Included in the footage is Nichols telling the officers, “I’m just trying to get home,” and also screaming for his mother. On Thursday, the five police officers, who had been fired, were charged with murder.
Perry took to Instagram to share a photo of Nichols and describe his own conflicted feelings about whether to watch the footage of the incident. “Many people can’t imagine it happening to them because honestly, it never will,” he wrote about himself initially wanting to avoid the video.
Body camera and surveillance video of the Jan. 7 stop was released Friday, showing the beating that led to the 29-year-old’s hospitalization and death from his injuries. Included in the footage is Nichols telling the officers, “I’m just trying to get home,” and also screaming for his mother. On Thursday, the five police officers, who had been fired, were charged with murder.
Perry took to Instagram to share a photo of Nichols and describe his own conflicted feelings about whether to watch the footage of the incident. “Many people can’t imagine it happening to them because honestly, it never will,” he wrote about himself initially wanting to avoid the video.
- 1/28/2023
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trevor Noah is saying goodbye to The Daily Show after seven years.
The comedian gave a tearful goodbye to his fans in his final address at the desk, thanking everyone who has ever watched the Comedy Central show and giving particular praise to Black women for their support.
“I’m grateful to you every single one of you. I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill an audience,” he said, noting that’s how comedy has always worked.
“Then I look at this now and I don’t take it for granted ever. Every seat that has ever been filled to watch something I’m doing is always appreciated because I know the empty seat that sits behind it,” he added. “Thank you to people who watch, the people who share the clips, everyone who’s had an opinion, everyone who’s been kind enough and gracious enough,...
The comedian gave a tearful goodbye to his fans in his final address at the desk, thanking everyone who has ever watched the Comedy Central show and giving particular praise to Black women for their support.
“I’m grateful to you every single one of you. I remember when we started the show, we couldn’t get enough people to fill an audience,” he said, noting that’s how comedy has always worked.
“Then I look at this now and I don’t take it for granted ever. Every seat that has ever been filled to watch something I’m doing is always appreciated because I know the empty seat that sits behind it,” he added. “Thank you to people who watch, the people who share the clips, everyone who’s had an opinion, everyone who’s been kind enough and gracious enough,...
- 12/9/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
This season sees Oscar-tipped dramas She Said, Women Talking and Tár all confront the difficulties of women dealing with the fallout of sexual assault
The beginning of the #MeToo movement, as a cultural reckoning on endemic sexual misconduct and abuse, can be roughly dated by the click of a mouse. On 5 October 2017, the New York Times published an investigation into the film producer Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood titan with a decades-long history of systemic abuse, triggering an outpouring of recrimination and recognition on and offline.
That first moment – reporters and editors hovering around a computer screen, cursor lingering on the “publish” button – is the narrative climax of She Said, a new film adaptation of reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s book on the Weinstein investigation. Five years after the start of the movement, She Said is the most overt of so-called “#MeToo movies” – films which depict revelations of sexual abuse,...
The beginning of the #MeToo movement, as a cultural reckoning on endemic sexual misconduct and abuse, can be roughly dated by the click of a mouse. On 5 October 2017, the New York Times published an investigation into the film producer Harvey Weinstein, a Hollywood titan with a decades-long history of systemic abuse, triggering an outpouring of recrimination and recognition on and offline.
That first moment – reporters and editors hovering around a computer screen, cursor lingering on the “publish” button – is the narrative climax of She Said, a new film adaptation of reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey’s book on the Weinstein investigation. Five years after the start of the movement, She Said is the most overt of so-called “#MeToo movies” – films which depict revelations of sexual abuse,...
- 11/28/2022
- by Adrian Horton
- The Guardian - Film News
The Women’S Media Center hosted their 2022 Women’S Media Awards on November 17th at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.
Wmc 2022 Women's Media Award Honorees
Credit/Copyright: Dave Kontinsky/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2022 Women’s Media Awards honorees were: Andrea Mitchell, Robin Roberts, Mariana Ardila Trujillo, Loretta J. Ross, Salamishah Tillet, Loreen Arbus, and Maria Martinez.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton gave remarks at the gala. Wmc Co-Founder Jane Fonda, Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Co-Chair Emerita and Board Member Pat Mitchell made special appearances via Zoom. Farai Chideya, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board Member Erica González Martínez made appearances at the gala.
The Women’s Media Center opened the Women’s Media Awards with a special Wmc Solidarity...
Wmc 2022 Women's Media Award Honorees
Credit/Copyright: Dave Kontinsky/Getty
The Wmc Awards were presented to outstanding leaders and champions for women in media. This year’s Wmc 2022 Women’s Media Awards honorees were: Andrea Mitchell, Robin Roberts, Mariana Ardila Trujillo, Loretta J. Ross, Salamishah Tillet, Loreen Arbus, and Maria Martinez.
Women’S Media Center Co-Founders Robin Morgan and Gloria Steinem, and Wmc President & CEO Julie Burton gave remarks at the gala. Wmc Co-Founder Jane Fonda, Wmc Board Chair Janet Dewart Bell, Wmc Co-Chair Emerita and Board Member Pat Mitchell made special appearances via Zoom. Farai Chideya, former Wmc President Carol Jenkins, and Wmc Board Member Erica González Martínez made appearances at the gala.
The Women’s Media Center opened the Women’s Media Awards with a special Wmc Solidarity...
- 11/21/2022
- Look to the Stars
Click here to read the full article.
There’s a photo of the moment right before The New York Times published its very first story about Harvey Weinstein’s systemic sexual harassment. Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor are there, along with their editors at the newspaper. They’re gathered around a computer, giving the story one last read and waiting to press the button that would change not just Hollywood, but the world, sparking a movement that would leap from country to country. The second that She Said screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz saw the picture, with a composition that’s sort of Washington Crossing the Delaware meets The Last Supper, she knew it had to be a pivotal moment in the movie. “It became this iconic image to me,” she says. The film that she would go on to write, about the now-famous journalists whose Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation kicked off the...
There’s a photo of the moment right before The New York Times published its very first story about Harvey Weinstein’s systemic sexual harassment. Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor are there, along with their editors at the newspaper. They’re gathered around a computer, giving the story one last read and waiting to press the button that would change not just Hollywood, but the world, sparking a movement that would leap from country to country. The second that She Said screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz saw the picture, with a composition that’s sort of Washington Crossing the Delaware meets The Last Supper, she knew it had to be a pivotal moment in the movie. “It became this iconic image to me,” she says. The film that she would go on to write, about the now-famous journalists whose Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation kicked off the...
- 11/18/2022
- by Seija Rankin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Image Source: Maria Tiffany and Photo Illustration: Becky Jiras
I hesitate to start this story in the past, but I think it helps us fully savor the present.
Five years ago, Chanel Miller was working on her memoir, "Know My Name," in secret. She was 25 and living in San Francisco, spending every day up against the monumental task of rehashing her trauma and putting it into words.
The world knew her then as Emily Doe, the victim in a 2015 Stanford sexual-assault case that had come to define the issue of rape on campus. Miller hadn't yet decided whether she would publish her memoir anonymously; most of her friends didn't even know she was the victim in the case. Her life was split in two: Emily in the courtroom and the headlines, Chanel out in the world, holding onto a weighty secret.
"I couldn't fathom coming forward, and I also couldn't...
I hesitate to start this story in the past, but I think it helps us fully savor the present.
Five years ago, Chanel Miller was working on her memoir, "Know My Name," in secret. She was 25 and living in San Francisco, spending every day up against the monumental task of rehashing her trauma and putting it into words.
The world knew her then as Emily Doe, the victim in a 2015 Stanford sexual-assault case that had come to define the issue of rape on campus. Miller hadn't yet decided whether she would publish her memoir anonymously; most of her friends didn't even know she was the victim in the case. Her life was split in two: Emily in the courtroom and the headlines, Chanel out in the world, holding onto a weighty secret.
"I couldn't fathom coming forward, and I also couldn't...
- 11/16/2022
- by Lena Felton
- Popsugar.com
Anthony Rapp Says He Knew Courtroom Wasn’t a ‘Safe Space for Trauma’ Heading Into Kevin Spacey Trial
Anthony Rapp’s civic lawsuit trial against Kevin Spacey concluded last month with the jury deciding, after 90 minutes of deliberation, that Spacey was not liable for battery in connection to allegations that he had sexually assaulted the then-teenage actor in 1986. Now, in his first comments since the decision, Rapp has expressed that he owed it to himself to discover where the legal route could take him, even if he were ultimately going up against a system that adds a layer of difficulty for victims to come forward.
“A courtroom is...
“A courtroom is...
- 11/15/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Anthony Rapp has offered his first public comments since the conclusion of his 40 million civic lawsuit against Kevin Spacey. On Oct. 20, a New York jury sided with Spacey, finding that the Oscar-winning actor did not molest Rapp when he was a teenager.
Rapp opened up about the trial and his original decision to come forward with allegations against Spacey during an event hosted by The Meteor, a media company with a feminist point of voice, on Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum. Speaking with moderator Salamishah Tillet, the 51-year-old actor reflected on the opportunities and limitations of confronting trauma through legal venues.
“A courtroom is not a safe space for trauma, that is for sure. So I also deeply understand why some people don’t pursue that angle,” Rapp said during the conversation. “What is proof? How do you prove things? Part of the movement is so much about honoring a story,...
Rapp opened up about the trial and his original decision to come forward with allegations against Spacey during an event hosted by The Meteor, a media company with a feminist point of voice, on Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum. Speaking with moderator Salamishah Tillet, the 51-year-old actor reflected on the opportunities and limitations of confronting trauma through legal venues.
“A courtroom is not a safe space for trauma, that is for sure. So I also deeply understand why some people don’t pursue that angle,” Rapp said during the conversation. “What is proof? How do you prove things? Part of the movement is so much about honoring a story,...
- 11/15/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium, along with a number of prominent industry figures, has issued an extensive open letter denouncing violence against women. The letter is addressed in particular to Megan Thee Stallion, who was recently the apparent target in one of Drake’s lyrics on “Circo Loco,” where he accused the rapper of lying about being shot by Tory Lanez in 2020.
The letter — which was signed by musician Ethel Cain, congresswoman Maxine Waters, MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and...
The letter — which was signed by musician Ethel Cain, congresswoman Maxine Waters, MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and...
- 11/10/2022
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
An array of influential leaders are standing behind Megan Thee Stallion.
A week after the 27-year-old-rapper responded to Drake and 21 Savage seemingly implying on their new album Her Loss that she lied about being shot by Tory Lanez, the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium has partnered with several strong women to share their support for the rapper.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, Tamika Mallory, Angela Rye, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and several others have come together to write an open letter.
The piece voices support for Megan, denouncing violence against women after she was allegedly shot in the foot by Lanez in July 2020. Lanez has pleaded not guilty in court, and she’s received negative backlash online since the attack.
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Responds After Drake Appears To Take Swipe At Her Over Alleged Tory Lanez Shooting On...
A week after the 27-year-old-rapper responded to Drake and 21 Savage seemingly implying on their new album Her Loss that she lied about being shot by Tory Lanez, the Southern Black Girls & Women’s Consortium has partnered with several strong women to share their support for the rapper.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, MeToo founder Tarana Burke, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, Tamika Mallory, Angela Rye, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and several others have come together to write an open letter.
The piece voices support for Megan, denouncing violence against women after she was allegedly shot in the foot by Lanez in July 2020. Lanez has pleaded not guilty in court, and she’s received negative backlash online since the attack.
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Responds After Drake Appears To Take Swipe At Her Over Alleged Tory Lanez Shooting On...
- 11/10/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me, My Policeman, Mammals and The Good Fight.
My Policeman L.A. premiere
Harry Styles and David Dawson brought their Amazon film to Westwood on Tuesday for its L.A. premiere, along with producers Robbie Rogers and Sarah Schechter.
Vp of Amazon Video Albert Cheng, vp of media and entertainment Cory Shields, head of marketing of Amazon Studios Sue Kroll, head of movies Julie Rapaport, Sarah Schechter, David Dawson, head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke, Harry Styles, Robbie Rogers and Bethan Roberts David Dawson and Harry Styles
Glamour Women of the Year
Glamour hosted its annual Women of the Year Awards on Tuesday in NYC, celebrating this year’s distinguished honorees including Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson,...
- 11/4/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
To overload on the pop TV metaphors, Alyssa Milano has led a charmed life, but, 40 years after becoming a household name as Tony Danza’s sitcom daughter, she’s still the boss.
An actor, producer, writer and activist, Milano has not only had a successful, enduring onscreen career, with credits ranging from ’90s touchstones Melrose Place and Charmed to Netflix’s 2018 series Insatiable, but also, almost from the start, she has used her fame and public persona to amplify her voice in support of causes she cares about.
Sunday marked the five-year anniversary of Milano’s 2017 tweet, in which, in response to newly reported sexual assault allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein, she wrote:
“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
Milano didn’t come up with the #MeToo hashtag — it was activist...
To overload on the pop TV metaphors, Alyssa Milano has led a charmed life, but, 40 years after becoming a household name as Tony Danza’s sitcom daughter, she’s still the boss.
An actor, producer, writer and activist, Milano has not only had a successful, enduring onscreen career, with credits ranging from ’90s touchstones Melrose Place and Charmed to Netflix’s 2018 series Insatiable, but also, almost from the start, she has used her fame and public persona to amplify her voice in support of causes she cares about.
Sunday marked the five-year anniversary of Milano’s 2017 tweet, in which, in response to newly reported sexual assault allegations against film producer Harvey Weinstein, she wrote:
“If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted, write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet.”
Milano didn’t come up with the #MeToo hashtag — it was activist...
- 10/17/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Five years since Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor broke the Harvey Weinstein abuse allegations, the #MeToo movement has incited sweeping changes in Hollywood. Or has it?
“She Said,” the “origin story” film charting Twohey and Kantor’s reporting at The New York Times from 2016 to 2017, stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as the two respective journalists. Maria Schrader directs the film, in theaters November 18.
“It was a daunting prospect to play someone real, and then to play such real heroes of our society, I was terrified the whole time,” Mulligan said following the film’s world premiere at the New York Film Festival. “But we were so lucky because we immediately got to know these women. We sort of had a friendship as well. I just felt privileged from start to finish.”
Co-star Kazan added, “I think more than the feeling of needing to do justice by Jodi and Megan,...
“She Said,” the “origin story” film charting Twohey and Kantor’s reporting at The New York Times from 2016 to 2017, stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as the two respective journalists. Maria Schrader directs the film, in theaters November 18.
“It was a daunting prospect to play someone real, and then to play such real heroes of our society, I was terrified the whole time,” Mulligan said following the film’s world premiere at the New York Film Festival. “But we were so lucky because we immediately got to know these women. We sort of had a friendship as well. I just felt privileged from start to finish.”
Co-star Kazan added, “I think more than the feeling of needing to do justice by Jodi and Megan,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Maria Schrader’s She Said, written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz and based on the book by New York Times reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as the journalists who uncovered a web of secrets, lies, and abuse revolving around famed Hollywood producer (and now convicted felon) Harvey Weinstein.
The story: Twohey (Mulligan), a reporter from The New York Times, talks to Rachel Crooks, who wants to come forward on the abuse she allegedly experienced at the hands of Donald Trump. Of course, the reporter and Crooks are harassed with death threats after going public with the story. When Trump wins the Presidential election, women became even more terrified to come forward with personal stories about abuse.
Also at the Nyt, Kantor (Kazan) gets a lead on a story involving Harvey Weinstein and his past behavior toward women. She heard Rose McGowan had an encounter with him,...
The story: Twohey (Mulligan), a reporter from The New York Times, talks to Rachel Crooks, who wants to come forward on the abuse she allegedly experienced at the hands of Donald Trump. Of course, the reporter and Crooks are harassed with death threats after going public with the story. When Trump wins the Presidential election, women became even more terrified to come forward with personal stories about abuse.
Also at the Nyt, Kantor (Kazan) gets a lead on a story involving Harvey Weinstein and his past behavior toward women. She heard Rose McGowan had an encounter with him,...
- 10/14/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Unless otherwise noted, the accused denied some or all of the allegations against them.
2006 Tarana Burke
Activist Tarana Burke coins “Me Too” on MySpace.
2014
Oct. 17: Comedian Hannibal Buress’ riff about Bill Cosby resurfaces long-ignored rape accusations. An investigation of Cosby follows.
2016
July 21: Fox News chairman Roger Ailes is forced out amid allegations that he sexually harassed several women at the company.
Oct. 7: “When you’re a star, they let you do it” — The Washington Post publishes leaked Access Hollywood footage in which then-presidential candidate Donald Trump boasts of committing sexual assault.
2017 The Woman’s March of Jan. 21, 2017, set the stage for takedowns of alleged abusers like Matt Lauer.
Jan. 21: Millions of Americans take part in the Women’s March a day after President Trump’s inauguration.
March 19: Fox News ousts Bill O’Reilly following multiple harassment claims.
Oct. 5:...
Unless otherwise noted, the accused denied some or all of the allegations against them.
2006 Tarana Burke
Activist Tarana Burke coins “Me Too” on MySpace.
2014
Oct. 17: Comedian Hannibal Buress’ riff about Bill Cosby resurfaces long-ignored rape accusations. An investigation of Cosby follows.
2016
July 21: Fox News chairman Roger Ailes is forced out amid allegations that he sexually harassed several women at the company.
Oct. 7: “When you’re a star, they let you do it” — The Washington Post publishes leaked Access Hollywood footage in which then-presidential candidate Donald Trump boasts of committing sexual assault.
2017 The Woman’s March of Jan. 21, 2017, set the stage for takedowns of alleged abusers like Matt Lauer.
Jan. 21: Millions of Americans take part in the Women’s March a day after President Trump’s inauguration.
March 19: Fox News ousts Bill O’Reilly following multiple harassment claims.
Oct. 5:...
- 9/29/2022
- by Julian Sancton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The women of “The View” opted not to explicitly take sides in the case of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, but host Sunny Hostin did express her thoughts on the verdict itself on Thursday. And for her, Depp’s larger win does not fly in the face of the #MeToo movement, as some have suggested.
On Wednesday, a jury awarded Depp 15 million in his defamation case against his ex-wife, while Heard was only awarded 2 million. In her statement following the trial, Heard wrote that the decision “sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
The hashtag #MeToo started trending almost immediately, with expressing similar concerns as Heard, and worrying that Depp’s win effectively destroyed any progress made by the movement. But,...
On Wednesday, a jury awarded Depp 15 million in his defamation case against his ex-wife, while Heard was only awarded 2 million. In her statement following the trial, Heard wrote that the decision “sets back the clock to a time when a woman who spoke up and spoke out could be publicly shamed and humiliated. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
The hashtag #MeToo started trending almost immediately, with expressing similar concerns as Heard, and worrying that Depp’s win effectively destroyed any progress made by the movement. But,...
- 6/2/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
In 2021, the Cannes film festival programmed movies from an unprecedented number of women and people of color, more than in any other year. Director Julia Ducournau won the Palme d’Or for her film Titane, becoming only the second woman to do so. This win gave people hope that maybe change was coming from the white, male-dominated festival.
But with the initial reveal of the Cannes lineup last month, it appeared things had gone back to the way they usually were, with women and Poc content largely shut out. Subsequent additions to the slate included five films directed or co-directed by women in Competition for the first time. But is it enough? Change is happening slowly, but the years of exclusion have proven harmful to many filmmakers who exist on the margins, and few established voices seemed willing to speak up. That is until a new wave of women decided...
But with the initial reveal of the Cannes lineup last month, it appeared things had gone back to the way they usually were, with women and Poc content largely shut out. Subsequent additions to the slate included five films directed or co-directed by women in Competition for the first time. But is it enough? Change is happening slowly, but the years of exclusion have proven harmful to many filmmakers who exist on the margins, and few established voices seemed willing to speak up. That is until a new wave of women decided...
- 5/22/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s ABC has renewed Tamron Hall’s daytime talk show for two more seasons, with the company’s local stations group agreeing to continue to carry the program.
The decision guarantees a fourth and fifth season for the program, which was recently placed under the aegis of ABC News, and will see it produced through the 2023-2024 season.
“ABC’s decision to give our show a two-season renewal is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Hall, in a prepared statement. “I am so lucky to have such great partners, from ABC to all of our stations across the country, and an amazing team who all support the spirit of the show. We wouldn’t have our success without our loyal audience.” Hall’s recent one-on-one interviews have included Issa Rae, Cassandra Peterson, Carmelo Anthony, Amanda Gorman, Debra Messing, Tarana Burke, Bear Grylls and Misty Copeland.
The renewal comes after a...
The decision guarantees a fourth and fifth season for the program, which was recently placed under the aegis of ABC News, and will see it produced through the 2023-2024 season.
“ABC’s decision to give our show a two-season renewal is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Hall, in a prepared statement. “I am so lucky to have such great partners, from ABC to all of our stations across the country, and an amazing team who all support the spirit of the show. We wouldn’t have our success without our loyal audience.” Hall’s recent one-on-one interviews have included Issa Rae, Cassandra Peterson, Carmelo Anthony, Amanda Gorman, Debra Messing, Tarana Burke, Bear Grylls and Misty Copeland.
The renewal comes after a...
- 11/8/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
IndieWire turns 25 this year. To mark the occasion, we’re running a series of essays about the future of everything we cover.
At the time, the reaction was swift: just three months after Hollywood super-producer Harvey Weinstein was first accused of a litany of acts of sexual abuse and harassment in what would become a Pulitzer Prize-winning expose from The New York Times and The New Yorker, the industry snapped to attention.
After innumerable other allegations against Weinstein and dozens of other Hollywood bigwigs, 300 of the industry’s biggest names joined together to create Time’s Up, an initiative created “to fight sexual harassment in Hollywood and beyond.” Such aims soon evolved to include broader questions about how to address issues relating to parity, safety, inclusion, and equity. New organizations came into existence and set timelines for instituting permanent changes to the industry. Conversations about these issues fueled all manner of panels,...
At the time, the reaction was swift: just three months after Hollywood super-producer Harvey Weinstein was first accused of a litany of acts of sexual abuse and harassment in what would become a Pulitzer Prize-winning expose from The New York Times and The New Yorker, the industry snapped to attention.
After innumerable other allegations against Weinstein and dozens of other Hollywood bigwigs, 300 of the industry’s biggest names joined together to create Time’s Up, an initiative created “to fight sexual harassment in Hollywood and beyond.” Such aims soon evolved to include broader questions about how to address issues relating to parity, safety, inclusion, and equity. New organizations came into existence and set timelines for instituting permanent changes to the industry. Conversations about these issues fueled all manner of panels,...
- 10/15/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Time’s Up has dissolved an advisory board that included several A-list Hollywood actors, including Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon, as the organization continues to face an existential crisis.
The advocacy group — formed with much fanfare just three years ago at the height of the #MeToo movement — has been profoundly harmed by its mishandling of harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Time’s Up announced on Saturday that its governing board would resign over the next 30 days, and that a new board would be chosen to oversee the group. Only four of the 22 governing board members were expected to stick around for a transitional period.
Time’s Up also had a 71-member advisory board, which included a broad range of activists and Hollywood stars. In addition to Chastain and Witherspoon, the board members included Natalie Portman, Janelle Monae, Brie Larson, Tessa Thompson, Padma Lakshmi, Laura Dern, America Ferrera, Kerry Washington,...
The advocacy group — formed with much fanfare just three years ago at the height of the #MeToo movement — has been profoundly harmed by its mishandling of harassment allegations against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Time’s Up announced on Saturday that its governing board would resign over the next 30 days, and that a new board would be chosen to oversee the group. Only four of the 22 governing board members were expected to stick around for a transitional period.
Time’s Up also had a 71-member advisory board, which included a broad range of activists and Hollywood stars. In addition to Chastain and Witherspoon, the board members included Natalie Portman, Janelle Monae, Brie Larson, Tessa Thompson, Padma Lakshmi, Laura Dern, America Ferrera, Kerry Washington,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lifetime has set a premiere date for Aly Raisman: Darkness To Light, a three-hour documentary special, which reveals the tumultuous journey to healing from the perspective of sexual assault survivors. The special will air Friday, September 24 at 8p/7c on Lifetime.
Darkness To Light follows the three-time Olympic gold medalist as she advocates for survivors while sharing personal accounts and coping strategies that have helped on her own journey of healing. Raisman meets with individuals who have suffered abuse, revealing the trauma that lasts from childhood to adulthood, and the triggers that affect them – and her – physically and emotionally. By sharing their stories and insights gleaned along the way, their experiences are validated, and survivors are reminded that they are never alone in their journey and that there is hope. You can watch a promo clip below the story.
“Aly Raisman continues to be a true champion as...
Darkness To Light follows the three-time Olympic gold medalist as she advocates for survivors while sharing personal accounts and coping strategies that have helped on her own journey of healing. Raisman meets with individuals who have suffered abuse, revealing the trauma that lasts from childhood to adulthood, and the triggers that affect them – and her – physically and emotionally. By sharing their stories and insights gleaned along the way, their experiences are validated, and survivors are reminded that they are never alone in their journey and that there is hope. You can watch a promo clip below the story.
“Aly Raisman continues to be a true champion as...
- 9/9/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Consider your Mother’s Day viewing plans sorted. Hitting select theaters and streaming on Netflix staring Thursday, May 6 is Shantrelle P. Lewis’ feature directorial debut “In Our Mothers’ Gardens,” a loving, insightful, and inspirational look at the relationships between mothers and daughters. The documentary had its world premiere at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival, winning the Shine Award for Best Film.
Last month, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing picked up the film as part of its growing selection of films focused on films by people of color and women. Array’s president Tilane Jones explained the documentary’s obvious appeal in an official statement: “‘In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love. Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.
Last month, Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing picked up the film as part of its growing selection of films focused on films by people of color and women. Array’s president Tilane Jones explained the documentary’s obvious appeal in an official statement: “‘In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love. Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.
- 4/29/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
There were high hopes for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS)’ 93rd Academy Awards ceremony. For the first time in history, nearly half of the nominees in acting categories were people of color, and 70 women were nominated across all 23 categories. These were unprecedented numbers for an awards show that has existed for nearly a century. While some of this change resulted from AMPAS’ Academy Aperture 2020 Diversity Initiative (A2020) and the Tarana Burke-founded #MeToo Movement, the events of 2020 also shook Hollywood to its core.
As the world shuttered in early 2020 amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we found new ways to connect through cinema. Stories like Sophia Nahli Allison’s “A Love Song for Latasha” and Garrett Bradley’s “Time” became easily accessible to audiences worldwide. There was also a racial reckoning in the final months of a tumultuous presidential administration, giving rise to a second Civil Rights Movement.
As the world shuttered in early 2020 amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, we found new ways to connect through cinema. Stories like Sophia Nahli Allison’s “A Love Song for Latasha” and Garrett Bradley’s “Time” became easily accessible to audiences worldwide. There was also a racial reckoning in the final months of a tumultuous presidential administration, giving rise to a second Civil Rights Movement.
- 4/26/2021
- by Aramide A Tinubu
- Indiewire
#MeToo movement founder and activist Tarana Burke and her producing partner Mervyn Marcano have struck an overall producing deal with CBS Studios to develop scripted, unscripted and documentary projects for linear television and streaming platforms.
Their entity Field/House Productions will serve to develop and produce stories that “embrace complexity and highlight underrepresented voices,” with the aim of championing “narratives driven by storytellers who represent ‘the rest of us.'”
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “Their drive and leadership as stewards of change brings a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact. They are clearly magnets for many whose voices need to be heard and we’re excited to work alongside them in this new venture.”
Burke has worked for three decades on issues at the intersection of racial justice, arts and culture,...
Their entity Field/House Productions will serve to develop and produce stories that “embrace complexity and highlight underrepresented voices,” with the aim of championing “narratives driven by storytellers who represent ‘the rest of us.'”
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “Their drive and leadership as stewards of change brings a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact. They are clearly magnets for many whose voices need to be heard and we’re excited to work alongside them in this new venture.”
Burke has worked for three decades on issues at the intersection of racial justice, arts and culture,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Tarana Burke, the founder of the MeToo movement, and her producing partner Mervyn Marcano have signed an overall deal with CBS Studios, the company announced Tuesday.
Burke and Marcano will develop scripted and unscripted content as well as documentaries through their Field/House Productions banner. They’ll develop for both streaming platforms and linear television.
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out. Their drive and leadership as stewards of change bring a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact,” CBS Studios president David Stapf said. “They are clearly magnets for many whose voices need to be heard and we’re excited to work alongside them in this new venture.”
“Creating space for new narratives has always been an integral part of cultural change work,” Burke said. “Field/House is a platform for those new narratives. This partnership gives us the...
Burke and Marcano will develop scripted and unscripted content as well as documentaries through their Field/House Productions banner. They’ll develop for both streaming platforms and linear television.
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out. Their drive and leadership as stewards of change bring a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact,” CBS Studios president David Stapf said. “They are clearly magnets for many whose voices need to be heard and we’re excited to work alongside them in this new venture.”
“Creating space for new narratives has always been an integral part of cultural change work,” Burke said. “Field/House is a platform for those new narratives. This partnership gives us the...
- 4/6/2021
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
CBS Studios has struck an overall deal with iconic racial justice, anti-violence, gender equity advocate and ‘me too’ founder Tarana Burke and storyteller and her producing partner Mervyn Marcano. As part of the agreement, the duo will partner with CBS Studios to develop scripted, unscripted and documentary content for linear television networks and streaming platforms. This is another huge step when it comes to inclusive storytelling in the film and TV industry.
Burke and Marcano’s banner, Field/House Productions, is a development and production home for stories that embrace complexity and highlight underrepresented voices. Working across all mediums, Field/House looks to champion narratives driven by storytellers who represent “the rest of us.”
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Studios. “Their drive and leadership as stewards of change brings a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact.
Burke and Marcano’s banner, Field/House Productions, is a development and production home for stories that embrace complexity and highlight underrepresented voices. Working across all mediums, Field/House looks to champion narratives driven by storytellers who represent “the rest of us.”
“In our quest to partner with compelling storytellers, Tarana and Mervyn stand out,” said David Stapf, President, CBS Studios. “Their drive and leadership as stewards of change brings a powerful and distinct voice to advancing stories of inclusion and impact.
- 4/6/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Array Releasing has acquired the documentary “In Our Mothers’ Gardens,” which marks filmmaker Shantrelle P. Lewis’ directorial debut.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the acquisition on Thursday, along with news that the film will be released in select theaters and begin streaming on Netflix on May 6.
“’In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love,” Jones said in a statement. “Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.”
The documentary debuted at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival and subsequently earned the Shine Award for best film. The movie features interviews with #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; Tina Farris (tour manager for talent including The Roots and Chris Rock); cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper (Rutgers University); Rev. Dr. Theresa S.
Array president Tilane Jones announced the acquisition on Thursday, along with news that the film will be released in select theaters and begin streaming on Netflix on May 6.
“’In Our Mothers’ Gardens’ is a beautiful tribute to the complex relationships between Black women connected by lineage and love,” Jones said in a statement. “Released in celebration of Mother’s Day, we are honored to present Ms. Lewis’ feature debut highlighting important bonds between daughters, mothers and grandmothers told by a dynamic group of women.”
The documentary debuted at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival and subsequently earned the Shine Award for best film. The movie features interviews with #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; Tina Farris (tour manager for talent including The Roots and Chris Rock); cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper (Rutgers University); Rev. Dr. Theresa S.
- 4/1/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Ava DuVernay’s Array Releasing has acquired the documentary In Our Mothers’ Gardens, the feature film debut of director, curator, and author Shantrelle P. Lewis. The film is set to debut theatrically in select cities and on Netflix starting fittingly on Mother’s Day, May 6.
In Our Mothers’ Gardens celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black women and Black families through the complex, and often times humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. The film pays homage to Black maternal ancestors while examining the immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive.
The film features a variety of interviews from #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; The Roots and Chris Rock tour manager Tina Farris; cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University; Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames of Princeton University; holistic lifestyle maven Latham Thomas; photographer Adama Delphine Fawundu and NPR’s Senior Director for Programming Yolanda Sangweni.
In Our Mothers’ Gardens celebrates the strength and resiliency of Black women and Black families through the complex, and often times humorous, relationship between mothers and daughters. The film pays homage to Black maternal ancestors while examining the immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive.
The film features a variety of interviews from #MeToo founder Tarana Burke; The Roots and Chris Rock tour manager Tina Farris; cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University; Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames of Princeton University; holistic lifestyle maven Latham Thomas; photographer Adama Delphine Fawundu and NPR’s Senior Director for Programming Yolanda Sangweni.
- 4/1/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Singer Fka Twigs has filed a lawsuit against Pieces of a Woman star Shia Labeouf, alleging the actor subjected her to "relentless abuse," including sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The New York Times broke the news on Dec. 11, revealing numerous examples of the alleged abuse detailed in the lawsuit, including an incident in 2019 where Labeouf reportedly assaulted Twigs outside of a gas station during a road trip.
In both the lawsuit and an interview with The New York Times, Twigs, born Tahliah Barnett, stated that her aim in suing Labeouf is to help other women and explain how abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. "I'd like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency," Twigs told The New York Times. "What I went through with Shia was the worst thing I've...
In both the lawsuit and an interview with The New York Times, Twigs, born Tahliah Barnett, stated that her aim in suing Labeouf is to help other women and explain how abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. "I'd like to be able to raise awareness on the tactics that abusers use to control you and take away your agency," Twigs told The New York Times. "What I went through with Shia was the worst thing I've...
- 12/11/2020
- by Mekishana Pierre
- Popsugar.com
#MeToo. #TimesUp. Now #NotDone?
A new documentary from first-time director Sara Wolitzky, titled “Not Done: Women Remaking America,” looks back on the last few years of advancements in the women’s movement. Premiering on Oct. 27 on PBS, just days ahead of the 2020 presidential election, the project feels both perfectly timed and also like it may just be the start of another wave of the movement.
“We’re living through another of these major chapters of feminist organizing and people being back in the streets and huge shifts in public consciousness,” Wolitzky tells Variety. “It felt like a good moment, but in some ways we can only scratch the surface. There’s always a lot more, both in terms of what happens next but also even in terms of looking more closely at the stuff that’s just happened. There are definitely pieces [within ‘Not Done’] that we could have done a whole film on.
A new documentary from first-time director Sara Wolitzky, titled “Not Done: Women Remaking America,” looks back on the last few years of advancements in the women’s movement. Premiering on Oct. 27 on PBS, just days ahead of the 2020 presidential election, the project feels both perfectly timed and also like it may just be the start of another wave of the movement.
“We’re living through another of these major chapters of feminist organizing and people being back in the streets and huge shifts in public consciousness,” Wolitzky tells Variety. “It felt like a good moment, but in some ways we can only scratch the surface. There’s always a lot more, both in terms of what happens next but also even in terms of looking more closely at the stuff that’s just happened. There are definitely pieces [within ‘Not Done’] that we could have done a whole film on.
- 10/27/2020
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Girl Up #GirlHero Awards will honor television super-producer Shonda Rhimes, #metoo Founder Tarana Burke and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta for their work on gender equality at its third annual ceremony, which will take place on International Day of the Girl. The virtual event will take place online on October 29 at 12pm Et with Girl Up Champion Nigel Barker as co-host. In addition, Girl Up Executive Director Melissa Kilby will highlight Girl Up’s Gen Z leaders fighting for change while special guests will make appearances on the event’s virtual red carpet.
“Today we’re celebrating gender equality giants, at a time when there’s a lot at stake for girls and women,” said Kilby. “We’re honored to stand with them in building a brighter, more equal movement by relentlessly showing that girls are and have always been leading us toward a better future.”
The awards...
“Today we’re celebrating gender equality giants, at a time when there’s a lot at stake for girls and women,” said Kilby. “We’re honored to stand with them in building a brighter, more equal movement by relentlessly showing that girls are and have always been leading us toward a better future.”
The awards...
- 10/23/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Rose McGowan had some choice words for Alyssa Milano on Friday night, including accusing her former co-star of fostering a “toxic” environment on the set of Charmed.
After accusing Milano of stealing #MeToo from activist Tarana Burke and co-opting the movement for fame, she pivoted to the years they worked together on Charmed. McGowan and Milano played half-sisters Paige and Phoebe on Aaron Spelling’s WB drama for five seasons (2001–2006); McGowan’s character was created to fill the void left by departing cast member Shannen Doherty.
More from TVLineAlyssa Milano Confirms Who's the Boss Revival: 'We Felt the Time Is Right'Who's the Boss?...
After accusing Milano of stealing #MeToo from activist Tarana Burke and co-opting the movement for fame, she pivoted to the years they worked together on Charmed. McGowan and Milano played half-sisters Paige and Phoebe on Aaron Spelling’s WB drama for five seasons (2001–2006); McGowan’s character was created to fill the void left by departing cast member Shannen Doherty.
More from TVLineAlyssa Milano Confirms Who's the Boss Revival: 'We Felt the Time Is Right'Who's the Boss?...
- 8/22/2020
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Dubbed by members of its community as “the Black Sundance,” the BlackStar Film Festival has become a significant annual event celebrating the visual and storytelling traditions of not only the African diaspora, but also of global communities of color as well. With a lineup primarily composed of short films and feature-length debuts, the nine-year-old festival is also a major window into emerging talent, and this year is no different.
Typically held in Philadelphia, the week-long program (running August 20 through 26) will take place entirely online this year, as has been the case for most festivals since the beginning of the pandemic that shut down much of the country.
But even in a virtual space, BlackStar will present more than 80 films — representing over 20 countries, and including 24 world premieres — an array of live panels, and special events, bringing together some of the most innovative and impactful filmmakers, producers, and thinkers working today. Here...
Typically held in Philadelphia, the week-long program (running August 20 through 26) will take place entirely online this year, as has been the case for most festivals since the beginning of the pandemic that shut down much of the country.
But even in a virtual space, BlackStar will present more than 80 films — representing over 20 countries, and including 24 world premieres — an array of live panels, and special events, bringing together some of the most innovative and impactful filmmakers, producers, and thinkers working today. Here...
- 8/19/2020
- by Tambay Obenson
- Indiewire
R. Kelly’s former manager has been arrested on charges related to a gun threat that forced the evacuation of a media screening of “Surviving R. Kelly” early in 2018, according to the Associated Press. The Lifetime documentary, which chronicled the multiple claims of sexual abuse and misconduct against the singer over the years, revived attention on the allegations and played no small role in his arrest last year.
Kelly is in prison awaiting hearings in four jurisdictions on a battery of sexual abuse and misconduct charges, many of which involve women who were minors at the time.
Donnell Russell, 45, was charged with conspiracy and with threatening physical harm by interstate communication, according to the report. He was scheduled to appear remotely Friday before a magistrate judge in Manhattan federal court, although it was unclear who his counsel will be.
Earlier this week, Russell and two other Kelly associates were charged with using threats,...
Kelly is in prison awaiting hearings in four jurisdictions on a battery of sexual abuse and misconduct charges, many of which involve women who were minors at the time.
Donnell Russell, 45, was charged with conspiracy and with threatening physical harm by interstate communication, according to the report. He was scheduled to appear remotely Friday before a magistrate judge in Manhattan federal court, although it was unclear who his counsel will be.
Earlier this week, Russell and two other Kelly associates were charged with using threats,...
- 8/14/2020
- by Jem Aswad
- Variety Film + TV
A difficult decision. Tarana Burke, the longtime activist and founder of the #MeToo movement—which brought scores of sexual assault and harassment claims to light, both in Hollywood and out—is opening up to E! host Lilliana Vazquez about attending the 2018 Golden Globes with Michelle Williams. The conversation takes place on Tuesday's all-new episode of the recently-launched podcast DNA of a Maker, but E! is bringing you an exclusive sneak peek. During the episode, Vazquez broaches the topic of the awards show by asking Burke about her initial response to Williams' invitation. "I said, 'I don't want to be...
- 7/6/2020
- E! Online
It turns out many fields have their own Harvey Weinsteins, and in the case of gymnastics, it was Olympics team doctor Larry Nassar. The powerful new documentary “Athlete A,” now streaming on Netflix, tells the story of Nassar’s hundreds of victims and looks at how the abuse continued for decades despite numerous reports made by the young athletes.
The documentary takes its name from the pseudonym given to gymnast Maggie Nichols, who was the first to report Nassar to U.S. Gymnastics officials. Nassar is currently serving multiple prison sentences in Michigan.
One of the film’s producers, Jen Sey, was once a champion gymnast. Now chief marketing officer at Levi Strauss, her 2008 book “Chalked Up” was one of the first reports to reveal the brutal culture of competitive gymnastics and its toll on the children and teenagers who give up their lives to compete.
Sey spoke to Variety...
The documentary takes its name from the pseudonym given to gymnast Maggie Nichols, who was the first to report Nassar to U.S. Gymnastics officials. Nassar is currently serving multiple prison sentences in Michigan.
One of the film’s producers, Jen Sey, was once a champion gymnast. Now chief marketing officer at Levi Strauss, her 2008 book “Chalked Up” was one of the first reports to reveal the brutal culture of competitive gymnastics and its toll on the children and teenagers who give up their lives to compete.
Sey spoke to Variety...
- 7/1/2020
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
Black women are doing an incredible job leading feminism into a bright new future - a future where women can no longer be shamed or controlled by double standards and the suppression of female sexuality, where there is no space for either woman-hating, incel culture, or misogynistic rap culture, to enter the unapologetically savage feminist's orbit.
Rap and hip-hop music is a notoriously male-dominated industry that has often thrived on the objectification of women's bodies. Recently, Black female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Lizzo, and Cardi B are turning this toxic trend on itself. Two of these women made Us music history on May 11, 2020, as it was the first time ever that the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 were secured by female rappers - Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj's "Say So," and Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé's "Savage.
Black women are doing an incredible job leading feminism into a bright new future - a future where women can no longer be shamed or controlled by double standards and the suppression of female sexuality, where there is no space for either woman-hating, incel culture, or misogynistic rap culture, to enter the unapologetically savage feminist's orbit.
Rap and hip-hop music is a notoriously male-dominated industry that has often thrived on the objectification of women's bodies. Recently, Black female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Lizzo, and Cardi B are turning this toxic trend on itself. Two of these women made Us music history on May 11, 2020, as it was the first time ever that the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 were secured by female rappers - Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj's "Say So," and Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé's "Savage.
- 6/17/2020
- by Kara Kia
- Popsugar.com
Last year, Christine Baranski celebrated her tenth season portraying lawyer Diane Lockhart on “The Good Wife” and its spin-off “The Good Fight,” a milestone that brought her within striking distance of her first-ever Drama Actress Emmy nomination. Though she missed out on that richly-earned accolade, Baranski raised her game even further to mark the start of her second decade in the role with her hilarious and emotionally-raw gamut-running turn in the “Good Fight” season four premiere.
Penned by series creators Michelle King and Robert King, the season-opener “The Gang Deals with Alternate Reality” very cheekily returns to the show’s origins, recreating the opening scene of the pilot episode in which Baranski’s Diane watched the 2017 inauguration in horror as President Donald J. Trump gets sworn into the highest office in the land. This time, though, Diane watches on with glee as Hillary Clinton gets inaugurated instead. Baranski beams, lets out a joyous guttural scream,...
Penned by series creators Michelle King and Robert King, the season-opener “The Gang Deals with Alternate Reality” very cheekily returns to the show’s origins, recreating the opening scene of the pilot episode in which Baranski’s Diane watched the 2017 inauguration in horror as President Donald J. Trump gets sworn into the highest office in the land. This time, though, Diane watches on with glee as Hillary Clinton gets inaugurated instead. Baranski beams, lets out a joyous guttural scream,...
- 6/16/2020
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
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