Documentary Review “The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things”
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Objectification. Whether you want to admit it or not, it is a concept that resonates all too much in this country of freedom we call the United States. Sadly applied primarily towards women, it puts a stigma upon those of the female persuasion that tries to say “You’re only an object, unable to achieve as much success, or even have the same level of ability as a man”. So, in light of such harsh and unneeded ridicule, how do you respond? What actions do you take? Five young, independent, aspiring, and highly motivated filmmakers took to the road for a personal journey, covering Los Angeles to New York in 30 days, specifically seeking out inspiring professional women in 17 different career fields who have proven that hard work, dedication, plus a relentless “can do” attitude does lead to accomplishment in a male-driven society and professional workplace.
From a lawyer to executive chef, Ms. USA, athlete, mathematician, executive producer, Navy Vice Admiral, brewmaster, social entrepreneur, stylist, Congresswoman, architect, astronaut, professional dancer, scientist, pilot, and pioneer, these amazing women share their stories of success in fields that are still to this date dominated by men, hoping to be the catalysts of change and growth within such a myriad of potential professions that young girls can aspire to and see their own ambitions and goals realized. In doing each interview, the five intrepid filmmakers and close friends find how much each impacts them personally, offering both encouragement and challenge to them on different levels, discovering the depth of their internal strivings to witness a shift in thinking when it comes to women and what they are able to fulfill for themselves while contributing to the betterment of the world.
Next, my Mind:
Director/co-producer Sarah Moshman, along with co-producers Dana Michelle Cook and Ashley Hammen, DP Alana Fickes, and documentary shooter Vanessa Crocini, deliver a highly engaging, contemplative, affecting, influential, impassioned, and necessary documentary effort that honestly needs to be seen by men and women alike. Beyond just its beautifully crafted execution, energized interviews, and playful yet introspective mood, the narrative presented here is served so extremely well by Moshman’s choice to deliver it not as an obnoxious, arrogant, or “woe is me” production, but instead as the deeply human plea it is for this country, this world, to simply have better understanding and openness to the fact women CAN and DO have the ability to perform and engineer impactful results in any field and be recognized for it. This isn’t to rub it in anyone’s face, folks. This is women undeniably showing they are strong and able. Period.
Now, is there that message OF empowerment in these illustrations and successes? Of course, and as intended! But, it’s the motivational, uplifting, significant, and persuasive nature of these examples that should be the focus and takeaway here, ideally opening up the doors for, as mentioned above, both women and men to accept and realize that in not allowing women the chance to showcase what they’re capable of in virtually any given profession, then we’re sincerely losing out on a huge segment of knowledge, drive, and determination which is so effectively portrayed here by just Moshman and company being willing to undertake such an arduous adventure for their passion as filmmakers so that viewers now would have the chance to hear about 17 triumphs, take it to heart, and perhaps even have a total shift in paradigm, all while enjoying the fundamental mediums of friendship, breakthroughs, and fulfillment to view it through.
Overall, “The Empowerment Project: Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things” was a revelation in documentary filmmaking for this reviewer, not just because of its wonderfully positive vibe, supremely relevant social message, and a excellently affecting music score, but also because it can truly be a model and incentive for anyone to be willing to look well beyond the unnecessary degradation of our fellow human beings and instead embrace the very question posed by Moshman here: “What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail?” I know I personally relate to this so amazingly well, and was glad to see someone else who did, and then did, and continues to do, something about it!
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
