Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years

February 2, 2024 – Sarasota

The Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival celebrates 25 years of groundbreaking films from around the world March 7-12, 2024. The Sarasota-based festival features in-person and virtual screenings, awards, filmmaker conversations, and an opening celebration at Ringling College of Art.

“We are delighted that the Through Women’s Eyes International Film Festival is celebrating 25 years of films that have enhanced our thinking and brought greater equality and diversity to screens.” said Scott Osborne, President of Through Women’s Eyes (TWE), the Sarasota-based nonprofit organization producing the festival. 

This year’s silver anniversary showcases a carefully curated selection of 32 films from 17 countries, highlighting the diverse array of experiences by and about women. Through this platform, the organization puts female filmmakers in the spotlight and brings attention to topics that are frequently underrepresented in the film industry. This year we are bringing back 10 Greatest Hits, some of our audience favorites from past year, as well as 22 new films. 

Opening celebration films and awards will be Friday, March 8, at the Ringling College of Art, Morganroth Auditorium, nwhere local secondary students will participate in the judging and present an Impact Award. In-person films continue all day Saturday and Sunday, March 10 & 11, at the Sarasota Art Museum, SHS Alumni Auditorium. 

This year’s films include 10 features, 22 shorts, 14 documentaries, 17 narratives, and the work of 6 Emerging Filmmakers from film schools around the world.. There is truly something for everyone at this year’s film festival, including:

X Trillion: (UK, Sunday March 10) Go on a journey with 14 women as they sail to the North Pacific Ocean to one of the most remote places on earth, the site of the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” See trailer here.

Book Club: (USA, Sunday March 10) Eight American women started a book club in the 1940s; little did they know it would bond them for the next 70 years. A look at friendships, despite all manner of differences. A Greatest Hit and one of our most popular films ever; if you’re in a book club, bring your group. If you’re not, bring a friend for an emotional and personal journey you won’t forget.

Lego Oma (Germany, Saturday March 9) What would you do if you lost all use of your legs in an accident? Lego Oma – or Lego Grandmother – reveals how she coped: first with anger and resentment, then resilience and coping, and finally, humor and outreach. Named “Lego” for the unique Lego ramps she builds to make buildings wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, this grandmother will make you laugh while she inspires.

UnDivide Us: (USA, Sunday March 10) Are Americans really as polarized as the media portrays? Is it true that we can hardly talk to one another about issues like guns and abortion? Researchers set out to answer this question – possibly the most important question of our time – by bringing together average citizens from five states. A must-see for all concerned citizens. See trailer here.

Blue Sunshine (India, Saturday March 9) A teacher at a traditional, conservative high school in southern India wishes to transition from male to female. Her journey affects not only her parents but also fellow teachers, school administrators, and students, in ways both predictable and very surprising. Modern sensibilities and traditional norms rub shoulders in this beautifully filmed portrayal of an individual struggle. See trailer here.

The Fight for Black Lives (USA, Saturday March 9 – Panel discussion follows film): The health disparities between black and white women are shocking – but do you know what is driving these differences? See the film, then join our panel conversation with the filmmakers and local medical providers and patients..

Friday and Saturday March 9 and 10: See the real Afghanistan behind the headlines in three short films: When Mom is Gone – a Greatest Hit – reveals the fascinating and moving realities of a rural Afghani family.  The Last Hug chronicles two young women who left Kabul when Americans departed and were welcomed to the University of Arizona (trailer here) and The Soft-Skinned portrays how an Australian veteran confronts the ghosts of war when a young Afghani man shows up on her parents’ doorstep; a  deeply moving reflection of both the refugee experience and the PTSD experienced by soldiers. Trailer here. 

Saturday March 9: Shorts Girl No 60427 and Blood Like Water, set in Israel and the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, display the fascinating, complicated, and tormented emotions of the region. Girl is seen through the eyes of a grandchild discovering the Holocaust experiences of her grandmother, while Blood forces a Palestinian family to choose between occupying forces and their own people. Not to be missed. See Girl No 60427 trailer here.

See here for the full film list.