Why define femininity if you can just show women? Fat, skinny, sad, cheerful, made-up or not, whether in high heels or in sneakers, whether wearing a hijab or a bikini. Just like the ones you meet every day and like the ones you are yet to meet.
Since 2016 we have been organizing “Demakijaż” – an annual women’s film festival. Year after year, you can see feature films and documentaries from every corner of the world, each of them showcasing talent, strength and determination of women behind and in front of the camera. “Demakijaż” goes beyond the artificial images of women mediated in the press, advertising, TV series, and cinema. Such representation is one-dimensional, incomplete, and far removed from reality. The moment you go to a party, hang out with friends or eat dinner at grandma’s, you immediately see a richer and more diverse picture of femininity. But this is nowhere near all of it! What about women living in different parts of the globe, having dissimilar experiences, worldviews or beliefs? We cannot wait to see such diversity on screen.
“Let’s Start the Revolution” is a competition awarding the best short film directed by a woman that tackles issues related to femininity. The competition also provides a space for the networking of women film makers, viewers, and film producers.
In 2019, over 40 films were submitted for the competition. Out of these, 14 were chosen by the selection committee to be screened during the festival, and evaluated by the audience. The directors of the short-listed films participated in Q and As in Lublin and discussed their work with the festivalgoers. The main prize was awarded by the audience to Aleksandra Świerk, director of “Camouflage”.
In 2020, the competition will be expanded to include international films. Our aim is simple – to start a revolution together with film makers, film viewers, and everyone who cares about women’s films – films that are inclusive.