'Women Make Film Day': Mitch O'Farrell Honors Women Filmmakers

STUDIO CITY, CA — Seeking to honor female filmmakers, Councilman Mitch O'Farrell moved to proclaim December 1 as "Women Make Film Day" in Los Angeles. The announcement stems from a partnership between O'Farrell's office and Turner Classic Movies to promote the work of women in Hollywood.

"Since its very beginnings, cinema has been blessed with the outstanding creativity, skills, labor and vision of countless women. However, the contributions and perspectives of women to the art and industry of movies have been historically obscured," O'Farrell said. "The work of TCM to elevate the perspectives of women in film is essential and a reminder that we must all do our part to bring attention to women's voices, which is why I am honored to proclaim Dec. 1 as TCM 'Women Make Film Day.'"

The announcement is part of a larger event including a conversation hosted by Alicia Malone with director Mark Cousins, who made the 2011 documentary "The Story of Film." The event also featured Kenyan film director-producer Wanuri Kahiu and documentary filmmaker-cinematographer Kirsten Johnson.

O'Farrell said TCM is highlighting 100 films by 100 filmmakers across 12 decades this fall, aiming to shine a light on films directed by women. TCM will also premiere a new 14-part documentary titled "Women Make Film: A New Road Movie Through Cinema" written by Cousins.

"We thank the city of Los Angeles for this honor and hope that everyone takes the opportunity to celebrate the meaningful impact of women in the entertainment industry," said Pola Changnon, TCM's general manager. "Women Make Film is a signature programming event for TCM and we will continue to celebrate dynamic women and their contributions to film for many years to come."

The announcement comes about a month after a report showed the number of women working as directors and writers in independent films had reached record highs. According to the report, women comprised 38% of directors and 35% of writers in narrative features and documentaries in 2019 and 2020.

City News Service contributed to this report.