StorytellHERS event returns to Robinson Film Center to showcase female filmmakers

Shreveport filmmaker and curator Kristi Woodard can’t believe her StorytellHERS event will return for the third time to the Robinson Film Center on April 25, “This went from just an idea, to something people are starting to look forward to each year.”

Woodard created the event to give women filmmakers a chance to showcase their work, “Unfortunately, women are still the minority in our industry, especially in the director's chair, less than 10% industry-wide.”

The event is comprised of several short films by woman filmmakers, “Each year I'm more excited and inspired by the women we showcase.”

“If we don’t tell our stories, who will?” said Shreveport filmmaker Jaya McSharma who has had her films shown in all three events. “Men have told female stories for centuries, heck, men used to play women in Shakespeare’s day! There is no person better equipped to tell a woman’s story than the one who is living it!”

Last year’s event was presented to a packed audience with a question-and-answer opportunity at the end. “Being part of a community is awesome, our film family is amazing here, but sometimes you need to be among people within that community that understand the highs and lows you go through as a minority in the industry ... you need that safe space to get support and inspiration,” said Woodard.

The 2024 years directors and films are -

Lara Hill - ‘How do I tell you this?’

Emma Francis - ‘Daffodils in December’

Erin Bennett Broussard – ‘Spooky Crew’

Kaitlyn Brown – ‘Off Sides’

Jaya MsSharma – ‘Pink Suit Black Suit’

StorytellHERS will be at the Robinson Film Center located at 617 Texas St, Shreveport, LA, on April 25, 2024, at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: StorytellHERS event returns to Robinson Film Center to showcase female filmmakers