To commemorate March as Women’s History Month and specifically March 8 as International Women’s Day, the Key West chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) will present its fourth annual Women’s Film Festival Wednesdays through March at the Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St. Each Wednesday at 6 p.m., the Key West NOW, in partnership with the Tropic, will show a film directed and/or written by women.
“In a world full of the same old, same old, the National Organization for Women’s Film Festival is the refreshing splash of diversity and empowerment we all need,” said Carla Turner, executive director of the Tropic Cinema. “It’s a must-see event, where cinema meets social change, with a side of popcorn.”
Ava DuVernay’s directorial debut, “I Will Follow,” kicks off the festival on March 6.
“A New Leaf” screens on Wednesday, March 13. Written, directed by, and starring comedy icon Elaine May, “A New Leaf” follows a broke playboy (Walter Matthau) as he hits bottom and makes a plan to find a rich wife he can murder. May’s clueless, obsessive botanist character seems the perfect match. It’s a black comedy and a cult favorite.
March 20 brings “One Sings, the Other Doesn’t,” directed by French New Wave goddess Agnès Varda. She follows two friends as they negotiate 14 years of radical change in women’s lives in France.
The final film, “I Am a Noise,” on March 27, documents the life of folk music legend and activist icon Joan Baez through the many phases of her long and productive life.
“We are delighted to present our fourth year of important films by visionary women,” said
festival coordinator Andrea Henley Heyn. “There is something for everyone: thought-
provoking, funny, revealing and stories told from unique points of view about universal topics.”
All showings begin at 6 p.m. in the Tropic’s large Carper Theater. Tickets are available at tropiccinema.com or at the door.
The Key West chapter of NOW promotes women’s rights to reproductive health care, fairness in education and employment, freedom from violence, justice for LGBTQIA citizens and life without racism.
“Our annual Women’s Film Festival offers the opportunity to experience accomplishments of women in the cinematic arena, and co-hosting with Tropic Cinema is a great example of nonprofits working together,” said Darlene Thomas, president of the Key West chapter.
