As we celebrate International Women’s Day under the theme #BalanceForBetter, let’s not forget to acknowledge divas who continue to accelerate gender balance in the entertainment sector. To shine the light on these phenomenal stars, premium entertainment platform black has put together a great movie line up for you in the month of March.
“These movies are a testament to the different types of women who are becoming role models in their own right around the world. Through their acting careers, and some in their personal capacity alike, they are giving hope to girls from all walks of life and pushing boundaries like never before,” says black PR Manager, Precious Nkabinde.
We look at characters that light the screen up and bring the spirit of girl power to life. Look at this selection and see if any of these characters make you think “that is so me!”
1. Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give): The woman who speaks out against injustices
Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg) is a teenager from a poor black neighbourhood that attends a white preparatory school, she is exposed to two different realities and needs to navigate a double life. She witnesses the police fatally shooting her best friend, faced with the pressures of keeping appearances in both realities she becomes reluctant to speak out. This is when outspoken activist April Ofrah (played by Issa Rae) helps Starr find her voice and stand up for what’s right. Starr resonates with many women who struggle on a daily basis to find their voices to speak out against injustices, especially domestic and gender abuse.
2. Gal Gadot (Wonderwoman): The warrior who is not afraid to protect her people
In Wonder Woman, the Amazon princess Diana (Gal Gadot) sets out to stop World War I, believing the conflict was started by the longtime enemy of the Amazons, Ares, after American pilot and spy Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crash-lands on their island Themyscira and informs her about it. This speaks to women who are in the line of fire daily, protecting communities and countries so people can live in safer environments.
3. Anne Hathaway (The Devil wears Prada): The woman who goes the extra mile to do what’s right
The renowned fashion editor of Runway magazine took a chance on journalism graduate Andy (Anne Hathaway) and hired her as an assistant – despite her lack of knowledge on fashion and never having read the magazine. Andy dreams of becoming a writer but keeping up with her boss’ busy schedules and sometimes insane demands makes it impossible to do. This job places pressure on her personal life and relationship and tests her morals. Andy reminds us of the struggle in balancing our work and family life, and the pressures that comes with climbing the corporate ladder. She struggles with finding her place but soon realizes that she is not prepared, unlike her boss, to use people to get ahead.
4. Madina Nalwanga - Queen of Katwe: The one who reminds us to find joy in little things
Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) is a 10-year-old Ugandan girl who lives in poverty. She becomes fascinated with the game of chess. Soon she moves up the ranks, defeating opponents in top tournaments and this opens doors for her that could help her escape the life of poverty. She depicts the innocence we see in our daughters, pure hearts who find joy in little things even if life is tough. This is a true testament that where you come from has no bearing on you destiny.
5. Meryl Streep (Mama Mia, Here we go again): The adventurous mum we all envy
Donna (Meryl Streep) has passed away and this sequel follows her pregnant daughter, Sophie, who finds out about her mum’s mysterious youth days. Sophie learns that when her mum graduated from university, she went on a whirlwind adventure trip across Europe, the kind that many of us wish we could have done as youngsters. Along the way, Donna met Harry, Bill and Sam and falls in love with one of them. Sophie wants to determine who her biological father is and reunites with all of them on a Greek island to get answers.
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