Inspiring Women of New York

Logline

In a male-dominated society, six women are charting their own path in one of the greatest cities in the world (New York City). As they pave the way for others, their stories empower women of all backgrounds as we explore their lives, learnings, and longings.

 

About the Film

Inspiring Women of New York is a collection of 6 x 12-minute portraits of female New Yorkers showcasing their accomplishments, unraveling their struggles and encouraging their hopes. These extraordinary women provide insight into a diverse array of backgrounds, experiences and careers from psychology to music to MMA to poetry and more. They share personal stories of lessons learned and chances taken that made them the women they are today—all set against the backdrop of bustling New York City. Get a glimpse into these women’s lives and minds and come away inspired to make your voice heard, to impact your community, to accomplish your dreams.

 

Importance of Project

Women around the world are underestimated and denied opportunity on the basis of gender. These women have overcome societal and cultural expectations to chart their own course. Our hope in presenting these stories is to honor what these women have done while inspiring people of all walks of life to become the truest version of themselves. This project also has an entirely female team, a rarity in the industry.

 

Director’s Bio

Rebecca Kirwan is an award-winning filmmaker who values strong relationships as much as strong storytelling. With over ten years of experience behind the camera, her work in documentary films fuels her passion for telling impactful, life-changing stories.

 

As a young stage actress and writer, Rebecca found a love for the arts early on. Graduating from the esteemed Australian Film, Television, and Radio School in 2010, Rebecca earned a Graduate Certificate in Documentary Film. Focusing her passion on discovering new and diverse stories to share with the world, Rebecca began her own company and freelance filmmaking business. Coming to the United States from Australia in 2019 Rebecca has since furthered her career by working on a number of television and film projects in New York.

 

Rebecca is driven by the power stories can have on impacting our world for the better and is particularly interested in matters related to social justice, equality, LGBTQ, Youth and Women’s issues.

 

With an unending passion for film, Rebecca also spends her free time mentoring budding filmmakers, teaching them to hone their craft and produce quality films with heart and truth.

 

 

 

About the Director

As I look back on my life, I can name dozens of incredible women that have mentored, cared, encouraged, and inspired me. I would not be the person I am without having these people in my life.

 

Yet society is sending messages that women are not, in fact, equal; that they are less than in many ways. The messages have been there all my life, perpetuated through the media, the work place, religious and political institutions and so many other areas.

 

I don’t want to see young women grow up with unnecessary challenges, hardships, or abuse just because they were born female. I want to be part of the reason why women have more opportunities, confidence in their abilities, and feel safe no matter where they are.

 

These stories are a celebration of the greatness of women, stories to uplift, motivate, encourage, and connect, not only women, but men also, from one of the greatest cities in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Team

Fernanda Mantoan — Director of Photography

Fernanda is a cinematographer, camera operator, colorist and content creator from Brazil, based in New York. Her blood type is O positive, so she tries to keep the positivity in her life. Fernanda likes plants and scuba diving. She has mixed feelings about writing third person narratives. Fernanda loves to work on women driven projects and to exchange knowledge with different people from all around the world.

 

Mikala Bell — Sound Mixer

Mikala is a 2019 graduate with a BFA in Digital Filmmaking from Loyola University. She currently works as a boom operator and aspires to be a documentary sound mixer. In her spare time she loves online shopping and playing piano. She was drawn to this project because women's achievements are often overlooked, and this project brings attention to the amazing things women are capable of doing.

 

Makenna Masenheimer — Associate Producer

Makenna holds degrees in theatre and English education. She is currently pursuing an MFA in directing at The Actors Studio Drama School. Makenna is drawn to work that centers around diverse, marginalized groups which celebrates their achievements and brings awareness of the barriers they encounter. In her free time she enjoys caring for her chameleon, bouldering and cooking.

 

Priya Karki — 2nd Associate Producer 

Priya is a financial analyst working for a financial company. She is interested in making the leap into the film/storytelling world. Priya loves to bike, run and write poems. She is always learning the art of self discovery. Her favorite animals are dolphins and elephants. The lives of the brilliant women and the entire crew being made up of women inspire her; what better way to tell a woman’s story!

 

 

Social Media

Instagram: @inspiring_women_of_new_york

Twitter: @inspiring_women_of_new_york

Facebook: Inspiring Women of New York

TikTok: @inspiring_women_of_new_york

 

Funding

Your donations will have an immediate impact in the areas of editing, post production, marketing and distribution.

 

Perks

$5 or more: an appreciation post on all of our social media channels

$25 or more: an appreciation post on all of our social media channels and end credits

$30 or more: an appreciation post on all of our social media channels and end credits and a private viewing link

$350 or more: an appreciation post on all of our social media channels, a private viewing link and end credit only as an Executive Producer