In addition to covering film for Women's eNews, Jennifer Merin writes the Cinema Citizen blog and is editor in chief for AWFJ.org, the website of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists, a nonprofit organization of leading female film journalists in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. She is organization's president. She is also a member of the prestigious Broadcast Film Critics Association.
Another highly recommended film that opens tomorrow is “Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story),” in French. There’s also moviemaking news this week concerning Geena Davis and competing documentaries about Hollywood’s history of dismissing female filmmakers.
And if you are in New York, try to catch some of the 11 documentaries about women in the Human Rights Watch Film Festival (June 10-19). Many will also be online at mubi.com and some will travel the country later this year.
This week also brings us “Honeyglue,” an unusual love story that will stick with you. Another must-see is “Love, Sweat and Tears,” a documentary about the doctor determined to end the stigma that still clings to menopause.
This is the second feature film from the provocative Israeli writer-director Tali Shalom-Ezer. Other winners this week include “Chevalier,” “Unlocking the Cage” and “The Ones Below,” a chilling thriller.
“Maggie's Plan,” which also opens May 20, congregates New York indie film royalty, but disappoints any high hopes. “The Abolitionists” also just opened, a documentary about child trafficking.
The film, which opens May 13, gives voice to grieving parents, experts in civil law and NRA members. On a much lighter note, the weekend also brings the opening of
“Love & Friendship,” an entertaining story that is a visual treat.
This week also brings the poignant Mother’s Day release, “A Light Beneath Their Feet.” Go see this story of a mother with bipolar disorder and a daughter with tough choices to make. It’s moving and meaningful.
Another notable documentary opening April 29 is “Gayby Baby,” which looks at modern family life through the eyes of four children who are being raised by same-sex parents in Australia.
This week also brings the opening of “Nina,” a fictional biopic about the late and great Nina Simone that has attracted casting controversy. I recommend seeing Liz Garbus’ 2015 biodoc “What Happened, Miss Simone?” instead.
“Hostile Border” is also opening this week and it’s a thrilling meditation on the problem of identity for those breaching the U.S.-Mexico border. “Armenia, My Love” and “Echo Park” are also highly recommended.