Trailblazing Woman Behind the Camera

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

SHORT FILM REVIEW
She, Who Dared

Genre: Short, Biography
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 26m
Director(s): Gabrielle Rosson
Writer(s): Gabrielle Rosson
Cast: Katie Killourhy, Paul Noonan, Kris Salvi, Nick Wakely
Where To Watch: screens one day only at the American Film Market on November 3, 2023, at 3:30 PM on multiple screens at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica, CA

RAVING REVIEW: In the world of forgotten cinematic icons, SHE, WHO DARED shines a beacon on Lois Weber, a titan of the silent film era whose legacy was unjustly obscured over time. Through Director Gabrielle Rosson’s lens, this short film transcends a mere nod to the past; it's a spotlight on film history, placing Weber at its core.

Lois Weber's narrative, as crafted in SHE, WHO DARED, is like rediscovering a silent film gem—rich in texture and historical significance yet vibrant with contemporary relevance. Gabrielle Rosson, swapping her journalist's hat for the director's chair, orchestrates this cinematic composition. Her foray into Weber's life is not merely a retrospective; it's a nuanced exploration of a woman whose name should have been etched in the annals of film history alongside her contemporaries.

Rosson embarked on a directorial adventure, balancing the history of the early 20th century with the constraints of a short film format. Weber's legacy, though marred by the loss of a significant portion of her filmography, is rekindled through Rosson’s emotional storytelling. She navigates through the fog of a bygone era, reconstructing Weber’s journey from her directorial triumphs, like the groundbreaking THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, to her audacious venture in establishing her film studio.

But Rosson's storytelling prowess doesn't just illuminate; it ignites. SHE, WHO DARED doesn’t only recount history; it engages with it, drawing poignant parallels between Weber’s struggles and the contemporary fight for gender equality in cinema. It’s a tale of resilience, a woman's undeterred voice resonating through time.

SHE, WHO DARED, is colored with both admiration and aspiration. Rosson’s skill is evident in her meticulous research and empathetic portrayal of Weber. She doesn't just aim to inform; she strives to connect, weaving an intricate bond between the viewer and the silent film maven, imploring us to reexamine our perceptions of film history and the architects behind it. While the film itself has a very indie feel to it, the perspective of the story it tells still shines through, feeling almost like a documentary on the lost history of one of cinema history's icons.

This short film is a prologue to a much grander vision. Rosson's aspiration to extend this narrative into a feature-length film is a testament to her commitment to storytelling and her dedication to spotlighting women’s historical contributions to cinema.

SHE, WHO DARED is a compelling tribute and a powerful narrative to the history of the craft. It's a piece that not only pays homage to the past but also serves as a call for the industry's future. The contributions of trailblazing women like Lois Weber will not just be remembered but also revered. Rosson's vision transforms a historical figure into an inspiring manifesto for the acknowledgment and celebration of women's roles in the cinematic arts, urging us to not only look back but also to pave the way forward.

#SheWhoDaredFilm

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[photo courtesy of NEW PATH PRODUCTIONS, GR FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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