2019 South West Film Festival Features Several Female-Directed Films

2019’s SXSW Film Festival has made a point to include a number of feature films that were created by women. In fact, female-directed films account for 60 percent of the screening of the features in 2019’s Competition categories. Ranging in genre and scope, these films are at the forefront of the festival’s programming which consistently attempts to highlight a wide variety of voices.

‘Knock Down the House’

One of the documentary films featured in the festival’s line-up is Netflix’s newest documentary, “Knock Down the House.” The film follows four women who are attempting to run for Congress who face seemingly insurmountable odds as they try to be elected into public office. One of these women is the well-known Member of the U.S. House of Representatives

from New York's 14th district, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC, as she is commonly referred to as throughout the film.

“Knock Down the House” is an inspiring film that highlights four women attempting to accomplish something extraordinary. Throughout the documentary, these emotional campaign trails are depicted in a way that sheds insight of the impediments of a grassroots campaign. Although some of these women do not accomplish what they had set out, the change that they were an attempt to insight feels palpable. Director, Rachel Lears, crafts a story that feels timely and important while also weaving together the personal strife each of these women has experienced.

After premiering at Sundance Film Festival, Netflix purchased the distribution rights to the documentary for $10 million and is to be released later this year.

‘Booksmart’

For decades, adolescents have had the opportunity to watch dozens of coming-of-age films that highlight young people facing the trials of relationships and high school. However, the likelihood that the primary characters in said films would be young women exploring these formative years is low. That's why freshman director, Olivia Wilde. looked to films of the past to serve as inspiration for her directorial debut.

“Booksmart” follows two well-to-do high school seniors who are on the verge of graduation. But after a revelation that their hard work may have been for nothing, Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) make it a goal to attend their first high school part and perhaps look to engage in some romantic entanglements along the way.

Wilde shows no signs of being an inexperienced director as she effectively establishes a tone and strong voice for herself as a filmmaker and a force to be reckoned with. “Booksmart” is nothing short of wonderful. For a film that contains a familiar formula, the characters and whip-smart humor contribute to making something charming and unique. Wilde’s decision to highlight two young women gives “Booksmart” a fresh veneer that is only improved upon by its memorable scenes, wonderful cast and heart of gold at the center of it all.

With their unique programming, SXSW Film Festival gives an extraordinary opportunity to filmmakers whose blossoming voices have not been heard. Each year their extraordinary pursuit of variety shows and their 2019 lineup is no exception, featuring films that showcase fresh and powerful filmmakers.