Women shape the world around us, lending their brilliant minds to magnificent innovations, becoming leaders in their communities, leveling the walls surrounding equality reform, and facing adversity with unique bravery. Delve into the lives of these mostly non-fictional women who are the stars of our film and documentary list this week. Let their stories lift you up, humble you to your core, or spark an emotional cord.
Want to learn more? Our short-list of women-inspired podcasts are a must-listen for Women’s History Month.
FILMS
Hidden Figures (2016, PG)
Director: Theodore Melfi
Hidden Figures tells the incredible untold story of Katherine Jonson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson– brilliant African-American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind the launch into orbit of astronaut John Glenn, a stunning achievement that turned around the space race. The visionary trio crossed all gender and racial line and inspired generations.¹
Queen of Katwe (2016, PG)
Director: Mira Nair
Disney presents Queen of Katwe, a movie based on a vibrant true story starring Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, and directed by Mira Nair. A Ugandan girl’s life changes forever when she discovers she has an amazing talent for chess, in this celebration of the human spirit.²
Wonder Woman (2017, PG-13)
Director: Patty Jenkins
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.³
DOCUMENTARIES
For Sama (2019)
Directors: Waad al-Kateab, Edward Watts
For Sama is both an intimate and epic journey into the female experience of war. A love letter from a young mother to her daughter, the film tells the story of Waad al-Kateab’s life through five years of the uprising in Aleppo, Syria as she falls in love, gets married, and gives birth to Sama, all while cataclysmic conflict rises around her.⁴
Girl Rising (2013, PG-13)
Director: Richard E. Robbins
Girl Rising travels the globe to meet nine unforgettable girls, striving beyond circumstance and overcoming nearly insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams. Directed by Academy Award Nominee, Richard E. Robbins, produced by Martha Adams, written by acclaimed female writers, and voiced by celebrated actresses including Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Anne Hathaway, and more, Girl Rising proves that one girl with courage is a revolution.⁵
Pretty Strong (2020)
Directors: Colette McInerney, Julie Ellison, Leslie Hittmeier
From 5.13 big walls in Yosemite to 5.14 sport climbs in Mexico to V14 boulder problems in Colorado, Pretty Strong follows eight of the world’s strongest female climbers as they explore new climbing areas, send hard projects, and push the boundaries of the sport and themselves. Putting badass ladies front and center, this film is about some of the best climbers in the world—some you know, some you don’t—doing what they do best: crushing hard rock climbs.⁶
RBG (2018, PG)
Directors: Julie Cohen, Betsy West
At the age of 85, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a lengthy legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. But the unique personal journey of her rise to the nation's highest court has been largely unknown, even to some of her biggest fans – until now. RBG explores Ginsburg's life and career.⁷
PODCASTS
Encyclopedia Womannica
Thinking back to our history classes growing up, we had one question: Where the ladies at? Enter, Encyclopedia Womannica. In just 5 minutes a day, learn about different incredible women from throughout history. In Wonder Media Network’s brand new podcast, we’re telling the stories of women you may or may not know -- but definitely should.
The History Chicks
You want the facts. Simple enough. You want to know how the women are remembered, how their legacies live on, and how you can learn more. We can do that! You want a show that is interesting to adults, but appropriate if kids are in the room and listening. Gotcha. And you like to get your information in a unique, smart, and conversational style. Done, done, and done.
What'sHerName
Committed to reclaiming forgotten history, What’sHerName tells the stories of fascinating women you’ve never heard of (but should have). Through compelling interviews with guest historians, writers, and scholars, Dr. Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle bring to life the “lost” women of history. Fascinating and funny, thought-provoking and thoughtful, What’sHerName restores women’s voices to the conversation.
SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE!
For Women's History Month, Sender One is donating 25% of net proceeds from the Sender One online store to The Loveland Foundation. This foundation is committed to "showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. [Their] resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing."
¹20th Century Studios
²Disney
³ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
⁴Channel 4, Frontline, PBS
⁵Girl Rising
⁶Never Not Collective
⁷Magnolia Pictures