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Introduction
A decade of championing women’s voices in cinema takes center stage in the California desert. To mark the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking Women In Motion program, the global luxury group Kering is presenting two highly anticipated films at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The special Talking Pictures event will feature director Chloé Zhao and star Amanda Seyfried in person, turning a screening into a powerful dialogue about artistic vision.
A Desert Oasis for Cinematic Conversation
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) has long been a January haven for cinephiles, blending glamour with substantive programming. Its Talking Pictures series is a cornerstone, offering audiences intimate access to filmmakers. This year, Kering’s curated segment elevates the format, directly linking corporate advocacy to artistic exhibition. It transforms a standard Q&A into a celebration of a sustained, industry-shifting initiative.
Women In Motion: A Ten-Year Legacy
Launched at Cannes in 2015, Kering’s Women In Motion began as a bold response to glaring gender inequity in film. It has since grown into a global platform featuring talks, research, and awards. The program’s mission is twofold: to make women’s contributions visible and to fuel a pipeline for future talent. This Palm Springs event is a milestone, reflecting on a decade of pushing for tangible change behind and in front of the camera.
Spotlight on ‘Hamnet’: Zhao’s Literary Turn
The screening of ‘Hamnet’ brings Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao (‘Nomadland’) into conversation with literary giant Maggie O’Farrell. The film adapts O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, which reimagines the life of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, and the tragic loss of their son, Hamnet. Zhao’s signature poetic realism seems a perfect match for this intimate, historical story. Her post-screening discussion will likely delve into translating inner emotional worlds to the screen.
Unveiling ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’
Amanda Seyfried stars in ‘The Testament of Ann Lee,’ a film exploring the origins of the Shakers, a radical 18th-century Christian sect. The project promises a deep character study of the group’s founder, known for her visionary claims and advocacy for celibacy and gender equality. Seyfried’s participation in the Q&A offers insights into portraying complex historical figures and the physicality of such a rigorous, faith-driven role.
Corporate Patronage with a Purpose
Kering’s role as a luxury conglomerate funding this film initiative is significant. It represents a growing trend of corporations using cultural patronage to align with social values. For Kering, whose brands include Gucci and Saint Laurent, supporting women filmmakers is brand-synergistic, targeting a high-end, culturally engaged consumer. This move blurs the line between philanthropy, marketing, and genuine activism in the arts.
The State of Play for Women in Film
This anniversary arrives at a pivotal moment. While studies show incremental progress in female representation, disparities in funding and directorial opportunities remain stark. Initiatives like Women In Motion provide crucial spotlight and networking capital. They create visible counterpoints to a historically male-dominated awards and festival circuit, proving there is both audience and talent demand for diverse storytelling.
Why This Festival, Why Now?
Palm Springs, positioned just before awards season, is a strategic launchpad for films with Oscar aspirations. Showcasing these works here signals their artistic prestige and commercial potential. Furthermore, the festival’s affluent, mature audience aligns perfectly with Kering’s demographic. The event is not just a celebration; it’s a calculated move to build prestige and momentum for these specific projects in the industry’s eyes.
Beyond the Screen: The Lasting Impact
The true measure of programs like Women In Motion lies beyond galas. It’s in mentorship, production grants, and shifting hiring practices. By creating a consistent, high-profile platform, Kering helps normalize women as canonical directors and complex protagonists. The Q&As in Palm Springs are a live extension of this, making the creative process accessible and inspiring the next generation of filmmakers in the audience.
Conclusion: The Next Decade of Motion
As the desert sun sets on this anniversary event, the focus inevitably shifts forward. The next ten years will test the durability of such corporate-backed initiatives. The goal must evolve from creating opportunities to ensuring sustainability and leadership roles. If the powerful stories of ‘Hamnet’ and Ann Lee are any indication, the future of film is rich with untold perspectives, waiting for their turn in the spotlight.
