Women Filmmakers Continue To Tell Important Stories at Cannes and Beyond

Online, June 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - This year's Cannes Film Festival served as a showcase of films by women directors. At least 12 features directed by women debuted in various categories at the most prestigious international film festival.

The Cannes lineup this year included Lynne Ramsay's "We Need to Talk About Kevin"; Australian director Julia Leigh's "Sleeping Beauty"; French director Maiwenn's "Polisse"; and Japanese director Naomi Kawase's "Hanezu No Tsuki."

"It's heartwarming to see women directors telling their stories, and being recognized at a high level," comments writer/director Nicole Conn.

Conn's films feature women-oriented themes such as the existence of soulmates, in last year's "Elena Undone," and her own story of raising a special-needs child in the documentary, Little Man.

"Women simply tell stories differently," adds Conn. "And when we are championed, it shows our perspectives are valued. Love scenes, for example, are something I can always tell have been directed by a man or a woman. It's about nuance. And in stories about life's moments, details are paramount."

Conn's production company, Soul Kiss Films has recently completed shooting her latest film, A Perfect Ending, which she plans to premiere at the US's Sundance Film Festival in January. Sundance has birthed other women-directed hits such as Lisa Cholodenko's "The Kids Are Alright.

"It's the year of the woman director," says Marina Rice-Bader, Executive Producer of "A Perfect Ending." "Look at Cannes. Women directors are in the spotlight, and this film by a respected female director, tells a unique story. One of the strongest women's stories we've seen, one of self-discovery, vindication, redemption, and a mother's love. And it features one of the most raw and truthful love scenes ever."