CURATED PLAYLIST
Music Art Athletics Performing Arts
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
Directed by Catherine Gund & Daresha Kyi
2017, Documentary Feature
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.
Louise Bourgeois: The Spider, The Mistress, And The Tangerine
Directed by Marion Cajori & Amei Wallach
2008, Documentary Feature
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.
Glow: The Story Of The Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling
Directed by Brett Whitcomb
2012, Documentary Feature
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
Directed by Whoopi Goldberg
2013, Documentary Feature
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
Directed by Nelson George
2015, Documentary Feature
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.