Let’s change the culture
My goal: to start a #bodyimagerevolution. My instrument: a provocative documentary
The late film producer Laura Ziskin once said:
Men have built the cities, made and defined the culture, interpreted the world. At no time in recorded history have women been culture-makers. Movies are arguably the most influential, important medium in the world. Because women are now making movies, then women’s ideas, philosophy, point of view will seep into that culture. And that’s never happened in history. We can’t even see the impact of that yet.
There has never been a better time to be a female film director. And to help women and girls. And minorities. And oppressed groups. The world is listening: the shocking results of the U.S. presidential election have stunned people into action. I see examples of this every day around me: friends and acquaintances that are getting together, telling their stories, taking up more space, donating to their favorite causes, and being a little bit bolder and more generous every day.
Here’s how I choose to contribute: by continuing to create movies that challenge the status quo. By partnering up with organizations that promote the empowerment of women and girls — and doing so in a way that includes men. And lastly, by getting out of my comfort zone and asking for help and support when I need it. That time is now.
I spent the last eight years working on The Illusionists, an 85 minute documentary about the globalization of beauty. Its main message: sad people are bigger spenders and corporations are getting richer by making us feel insecure about the way we look. And this is affecting everyone: women, men, and increasingly children, at younger and younger ages. This is not a trivial issue related to fashion and style; it should be treated as a public health emergency.
My documentary The Illusionists is an instrument whose goal is to raise awareness about this problem; it was released on the distribution platform VHX a month ago. The pre-orders and first day of sales showed that viewers came from 22 countries around the world, representing four different continents. One month in, the countries are now 29, with one more continent: Africa (thanks to sales in Ghana and Kenya).
The numbers are still modest, but I am noticing that momentum is building, thanks to word-of-mouth recommendations. And there’s more to be excited about.
I’m taking full advantage of the tools offered by my distributor VHX (partnerships!) to contribute to the empowerment of women and girls. Starting this holiday season and continuing throughout 2017, I will be directly supporting non-profit organizations: the Greater L.A. chapter of UN Women, Beauty Redefined, and the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt. When viewers buy or rent The Illusionists from the film’s official website or through an affiliate link, 25% of proceeds is donated to the organization of their choosing.
Joss Whedon, director of The Avengers and creator of Buffy The Vampire Slayer had this to say about The Illusionists:
The genius of this piece is in its simplicity. A revelatory primer on the global manipulation of perception and consumption, The Illusionists should be required viewing in every school — and possibly every home.
The Illusionists is out now, exclusively on VHX. You can buy it for the price of two large lattes, or rent it for the price of one. At checkout, you can click on “gift this” and send it as a digital download or rental to a friend or loved one; all you need is their email address. You can even set the delivery date to Christmas or any day of the year. When you purchase The Illusionists, you are supporting:
- women directors
- independent films
- a movement advocating for positive body image
- non-profits that empower women and girls
I hope you’ll join me in breaking the illusions and — in the words of Laura Ziskin — “helping change the culture.” Thank you!
