When I read that the Twilight movie franchise was being resurrected with a series of five short films, my reaction was akin to a cat trying to get a hairball out of its throat. But then I read the thing that all the shorts will have in common and… readers, I didn’t think I’d ever say this, but… Twilight. I am proud of you.
So what’s the common factor? No, not demon babies. All five directors in the The Storytellers – New Creative Voices of The Twilight Saga series will be female. And intentionally, too—Lionsgate is working with Women in Film in addition to Facebook and Twilight author Stephenie Meyer to make the series happen. “The female voice is something that has become more and more important to me as I’ve worked in the film industry,” says Meyer. “I’m honored to be working with Women in Film, Lionsgate and Facebook on a project dedicated to giving more women a chance to be heard creatively.”
Each film will be “based on a broad spectrum of characters from the Twilight universe” and will be shown exclusive on Facebook. They’ll be judged by a panel that includes Meyer, WIF President Cathy Schulman, Kristen Stewart, Kate Winslet, Octavia Spencer, Frozen director Jennifer Lee, Julie Bowen, and Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the first Twilight film.
Somewhere in the distance, Anna Kendrick’s hand hovers over the “send” button on her phone, trying to decide whether to call Lionsgate and get in on the action. Smoke starts coming out of her ears.
Look, y’all know that we here on The Mary Sue are not particularly huge Twilight fans (though the way hatred of it so often boils down to “Look at these stupid teenage girls with their stupid teenage girl minds and their stupid teenage girl things that they like” is, in my own personal view, reprehensible). They’re poorly written, and, oh yeah, promote a relationship ideal that’s actually extremely abusive. But. We know that female directors are an underrepresented group in film and TV, that “the whole system is geared for them to fail.” If you don’t know that, read up a bit and get back to me. So the fact that Lionsgate is taking proactive steps in supporting the career development of young female directors is deserving of some kudos. A bad series did a good thing.
And Twilight fans, you’re getting some new short films! Congratulations! I am happy for you. I may not agree with what you fangirl, but I will defend to the death slight discomfort your right to fangirl it.
(via Deadline, Digital Spy)
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