The 14th Annual Athena Film Festival is Embracing Diversity and Empowering Women
As the 14th annual Athena Film Festival approaches, the excitement is palpable with a diverse lineup of films, panels, and discussions set to take place on the Barnard campus in New York City from February 29 to March 3. This year’s festival, a partnership between Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership and Women and Hollywood, promises to amplify women’s leadership through storytelling, showcasing a rich array of narrative features, documentaries, and short films.
One notable highlight is the announcement of the inaugural Jaya Award recipient, writer/director Erica Tremblay, known for her work on “Fancy Dance.” This award, presented in collaboration with the Ilumine Service Foundation, is dedicated to honoring Indigenous filmmakers whose films feature women-centric narratives with compelling female leads. Tremblay, who will also participate in a panel on Indigenous storytelling, exemplifies the festival’s commitment to recognizing underrepresented voices in the film industry.
The festival’s panels are thoughtfully curated to address critical issues. “Decolonizing the Film Industry: Indigenous Women’s Voices” delves into the demand for authentic Indigenous stories, featuring a conversation among Indigenous women working in the industry. The panel titled “Keeping the Industry Door Open: Beyond the ‘Trend’ of Disability” explores recent breakthroughs in disability representation and aims to create a future where disability inclusion is the norm. “Abortion Storytelling” addresses the cultural change around reproductive justice, showcasing stories that dismantle stigma and promote acceptance.
A diverse range of films has been added to the lineup, including the New York premiere of the documentary “COPA 71,” which explores the world of soccer, executive produced by Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Alex Morgan. The festival will also close with Maryam Keshavarz’s “The Persian Version.”
Additionally, the festival introduces new screenings such as “Waitress: The Musical,” bringing the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit to the big screen, and narrative features like “20,000 Species of Bees” and “Banu.” These films explore themes of identity, motherhood, and the struggles faced by women in different parts of the world.
The Athena Film Festival remains committed to fostering important conversations about inclusion within the film industry. Umbreen Bhatti, the Constance Hess Williams ’66 Director of the Athena Center for Leadership at Barnard College, emphasizes the importance of keeping discussions about inclusion at the forefront of the industry.
Passes and tickets are now available, offering attendees the chance to engage with inspiring stories and discussions that aim to make a positive impact on the world. As the festival unfolds, it’s a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and the transformative power of storytelling, reflecting the principles of its attendees and supporters.
