Why watch these?
You might already be interested to because like me, you’re hungering for these stories that have been missing from your life. Stories about women (and others) who’ve been rendered invisible by the lack of stories about them (by them). Filling and warming stories that rush into that gap and into that cold emptiness with a feast of information and fulness.
If you don’t feel that way, perhaps you’re interested because you want to understand women’s perspectives better. This is a also a good way to do that.
You might want to make it more real to yourself that women are musicians. That it’s normal. That people with two X chromosomes have “music in them.” And that’s a good thing, magnificent.
In watching, you widen and enrich your world and expand its enjoyment. In the process you also become aware of problematic societal issues – like women getting fired (as a conductor) for being pregnant.
“Exclusion is derived from fear, ignorance, and power, whilst inclusion is derived from love, compassion, and respect.” — Michelle Emson
1. Maestra (Netflix) — “Follows five international women who participate in ‘La Maestra’, the only competition in the world for female orchestra conductors. Personal stories of survival in this one-of-a-kind event created to break another glass ceiling for women.” IMDB
“An engrossing look at a select group of women at the top of their profession, MAESTRA soars not just on its music but in the details.”
“While the competition’s structure generates dramatic tension, it’s heartening to watch them admire each other, too.” Valerie Kalfrin, AWFJ
We learn in the film that women make up less than 3 percent of all orchestral conductors worldwide.
In addition to the primary subject-matter, I enjoyed learning about conducting. An art form I previously knew nothing about. To watch (with chills / “art bumps”) the beautiful, incredible, strenuous, life-giving, alive connection between all of the musicians (including the conductor) during the playing of a piece together was wonderful. Quite suspenseful actually. It was powerful and moving to have the camera up close on these women while they’re interacting with the musicians and the music, and directing, encouraging, highlighting, etc.
Bonus: Portrayal of (women) artists LOVING what they do, getting lost in it and excited about it in the best way.
2. The Return of Tanya Tucker: Featuring Brandi Carlisle (YouTube) —
“The film, by Kathryn Horan, follows the recording of “While I’m Livin’,” the 2019 album that marked the first collection of new material in 17 years for the fiery country singer who first hit the country charts at the age of 14.” Steve Pond, The Wrap
“Carlile, though, sees what her hero can’t: that with the right songs and right story, Tucker can be part of the cultural conversation again, garnering the industry accolades and heartfelt appreciations she’s long deserved. In the modern music business, there’s very little money to be made by artists doing what they love. So instead, this profoundly moving movie covers a different kind of success, as a great musician takes pains to make sure her idol receives some proper respect — the only currency that always matters.” Noel Murray, Los Angeles Times
3. Tina (Max) —
“Tina recounts the ups and downs of the singer’s life with startling candor and insight, providing an inspiring testament to resilience.” Rotten Tomatoes (RT)
“With a wealth of never-before-seen footage, audio tapes, personal photos, and new interviews, including with the singer herself, TINA presents an unvarnished and dynamic account of the life and career of music icon Tina Turner. Everything changed when Tina began telling her story, a story of trauma and survival, that gave way to a rebirth as the record-breaking queen of rock ‘n’ roll. But behind closed doors, the singer struggled with the survivor narrative that meant her past was never fully behind her. Directed by Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin, the documentary charts Tina Turner’s early fame, the private and public personal and professional struggles, and her return to the world stage as a global phenomenon in the 1980s.” RT
4. 20 Feet From Stardom (Peacock, Prime) —
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“Absolutely fantastic… This film, 20 Feet from Stardom, gave me a new perspective on another unsung group, the backup singers. This was a phenomenally talented group of unknown women who provided a very integral part of music history. Although everyone knows the Stones sang Gimme Shelter, who knew that Ms. Clayton provided the powerful refrain that is synonymous with this classic. Not me, until I just saw this film. Now maybe these talents will get their place in music history…” Alex Ross RT review
5. Flora & Son (AppleTV+) —
“Single mom Flora (Eve Hewson) is at a loss about what to do with her rebellious teenage son, Max (Orén Kinlan). Encouraged by the police to find Max a hobby, Flora tries to occupy him with a beat-up acoustic guitar. With the help of a washed-up LA musician (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Flora and Max discover the transformative power of music. From the musical mind of John Carney, “Flora and Son” explores the bond between a mother and son on a journey toward a new harmony” RT
“How beautiful to watch a song crack open a hardened heart. Not everyone can be a professional artist — but we can all welcome art into our lives.” Amy Nicholson, New York Times
