I’m grateful to have attended the opening night of “Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival” on Friday, March 7. The opening night was the kick-off for the festival, running through March 11 with in-person viewing and streaming opportunities.
Now in its 26th year, the film festival has broadened its mandate to explicitly welcome diverse voices, including women, non-binary individuals, LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, and men, while focusing on stories that challenge underrepresentation in mainstream media.
This season, a new program called “The Green Room” highlights environmental films addressing issues like water conservation, climate change, and land stewardship. It includes documentaries such as Two Kinds of Water and Forces of Nature and features panel discussions with experts like Dr. Heather O’Leary of the University of South Florida
This blend of art, activism, inclusivity, and environmental consciousness makes the 2025 Reel Equals Film Festival a standout cultural event in Sarasota. Festivals like this provide a platform for women filmmakers to connect, learn from each other, and build a supportive community. They offer workshops, panels, and networking opportunities that empower women in the film industry.
I binged watched films Friday, Saturday and Sunday. No surprise. I’m a film buff all my life, AND a member of the Leadership Team of the film festival. While the in-person viewing ended this evening, there’s still time to stream any of the 30 films from 10 different countries. Streaming is available through the end of March 11. Click here for tickets.
Promoting Diversity and Representation: Women’s film festivals focus on showcasing films by and about women, offering a diverse range of perspectives often overlooked in mainstream cinema. This attracts audiences interested in unique storytelling and feminist themes.
Addressing Industry Inequality: Despite progress, the film industry remains male-dominated. Women’s festivals address this imbalance by highlighting women’s contributions and providing a space for their work to be recognized and celebrated15.
Safe and Inclusive Environment: These festivals create a safe space for discussing gender-related issues and promoting solidarity among viewers and filmmakers alike. This inclusive environment encourages participation and engagement from a broader audience.
Cultural and Social Impact: By focusing on women’s stories and experiences, these festivals contribute to cultural dialogue and social change. They often support causes like gender equality and women’s rights, attracting attendees who value these missions.
There are so many wonderful, creative and thought-provocative shorts, documentaries and films to speak about, but for me (and others), the opening night film entitled “Why We Dance” truly set the tone for an upbeat evening. Why?
“Why We Dance” is a documentary film that explores the power and significance of dance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film focuses on two main aspects: Individual expression, as it showcases each dancer’s unique physical expression through movement; and Life transitions, as the film examines how dance helps people navigate different phases of life, seeking renewed meaning, community, and purpose as they age.
The film follows a dance teacher who moves her classes online during the pandemic. The participants range in age from 49 to 94 years old, forming an international and diverse group. The film captures how individuals who entered the pandemic alone came out of it together through dance.
“Why We Dance” is a personal project for Michal Goldman, who at 78 years old, joined Zoom dance sessions five mornings a week during the pandemic. The documentary explores the reasons why people dance, from childhood to old age, and how it can provide joy, connection, and vitality, especially during challenging times.
I urge you to stream “Why We Dance” and also explore many of the other fantastic films in this year’s lineup. Enjoy the video taken at opening night post-films, when attendees had the opportunity to dance with the teacher and star of Why We Dance. REJUVENATED OUR SOULS!
