The ninth annual Women’s Film Festival boasts more than movies

Beyond the silver screen

Opening night will feature an edge-of-your-seat crime thriller by two local filmmakers. The feature film, Last Known Location, was written by the film’s star Aimee Theresa and directed by her husband Danny Donnelly. The talented duo hail from West Chester. They’ll be present for the screening along with some of the cast and crew. The film plays at the Perelman Building of the Philadelphia Art Museum followed by a party at Rittenhouse Grill. Tickets are $25 for the film and reception and must be purchased in advance.

There is more than just movies at this year’s festival. Suzi Nash, the director of programming, said, “We're trying to add a little to some of the programs. We’re partnering with Women in Transition to do a self-defense demonstration to go with our film Strong Women, with a mindfulness session after the film Scars Unseen.”

Nash continued, noting the festival’s growing reach: “And we’re really excited to showcase our city. We have many directors and cast members attending in person this year, two coming from as far away as New Zealand (A Beginners Tail) and Taiwan (Zombie Film with Grandpas & Grandmas). We’re truly becoming an international festival!”

If you’re looking for documentaries, the festival has you covered. Award-winning film Jailhouse to Milhouse is the inspiring story of Pamela Hayden, the voice of Milhouse and several other characters on The Simpsons. After surviving an abusive boarding school and juvenile jail, Hayden now shares her journey with teens at Boys and Girls Clubs, inspiring young people, especially girls, to keep reaching for their dreams. Another short film is Interception: Jayne Kenndey, American Sportscaster, a story that should appeal to our sports-obsessed Philly audiences. Jayne Kennedy was the first Black woman to boldly tackle the racial barriers in American sportscasting. From Miss Ohio in 1970 to sportscasting on NFL Today in 1978, Kennedy broke barriers in her tumultuous career.

Project 19: Leap for Equality screens in the Make a Difference Shorts Showcase on Sunday, August 25. Hurtling to earth at speeds up to 200mph, 100 fearless women aim to build a world record skydiving formation. Interweaving the story of the women's suffrage movement, this gripping documentary showcases the indomitable spirit of women breaking barriers—both in the sky and in history—highlighting that the fight for equality isn't over, but the courage to leap is timeless.

The closing night film is another thriller in Lost Joy. Co-written and starring actor-producer Winter Bassett, a young couple find a romantic cabin getaway isn’t the vacation they expected. Bassett will be in attendance, along with director Jordan Laemmlen and additional cast and crew.