Music, Art, Athletics, Performing Arts — Women DO

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Enacting athletic and creative powers help communities and individuals foster culture and identity. communities and individuals to foster culture and identity. Women who excel in these fields have been viewed as exceptions to that deeply ingrained rule throughout much of history. While more opportunities for women’s involvement in these skilled arenas may be available today, disparities still remain. Those women who dare to be “exceptional” help break down expectations and definitions around what a woman can do and should be. We put together this playlist to celebrate women who unapologetically kick ass in their art of choice.

CHAVELA
(2017, Documentary Feature)

DIRECTOR: Catherine Gund & Daresha Kyi
PRODUCER: Catherine Gund & Daresha Kyi

Chavela Vargas pushed the boundaries of gender-conformity through her dress, her singing, and her unfiltered passion, all while battling alcoholism. Her life was far less traditional than the Mexican ranchera music she made her own.

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LOUISE BOURGEOIS: THE SPIDER, THE MISTRESS, AND THE TANGERINE
(2008, Documentary Feature)

DIRECTOR: Marion Cajori & Amei Wallach
PRODUCER: Marion Cajori & Amei Wallach

Disturbing, beautiful, and twisted, her artistic process was deeply personal. Louise Bourgeois is a French-American sculptor whose work defied artistic genre and standard levels of comfort.

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GLOW: THE STORY OF THE GORGEOUS LADIES OF WRESTLING
(2012, Documentary Feature.)

DIRECTOR: Brett Whitcomb
PRODUCER: Jason Connell

The Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling truly do “glow” in this uplifting (and heavy-lifting) documentary. This film explores the stories and friendships of the women wrestlers that defied the gender roles of sports AND entertainment in the “hit” 1980’s TV show.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG PRESENTS MOMS MABLEY
(2013, Documentary Feature)

DIRECTOR: Whoopi Goldberg
PRODUCER: Whoopi Goldberg & Tom Leonardis

One of the first female stand-up comedians in history, Moms Mabley was somehow largely forgotten by history. In this film, Whoopi Goldberg goes on a quest to uncover and share the legacy of this groundbreaking and side-splitting woman in comedy.

A BALLERINA’S TALE
(2015, Documentary Feature)

DIRECTOR: Nelson George
PRODUCER: Leslie Norville

Her talent, commitment, and inner fire propelled Misty Copeland into one of the top Ballet companies in the world. She is the first black woman to ever become a principal dancer on an internationally recognized stage, changing the face of ballet forever and for good.