Women in the film industry: The Untold Story of the “Radium Girls”

The Geena Davis Institute hosted “Radiant Revelations,” featuring filmmakers Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler to discuss their film "Radium Girls." The event highlighted the historical impact of the radium girls’ fight for justice, the power of female collaboration in filmmaking, and the importance of elevating untold stories in history.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Post-Event Summary

The Geena Davis Institute hosted an enlightening virtual event titled "Radiant Revelations: Unveiling the Untold Story of the Radium Girls." The session featured filmmakers Lydia Dean Pilcher and Ginny Mohler, who spoke about their film, "Radium Girls," which explores the historical narrative of young women exposed to radium poisoning and their fight for justice. In addition, the event called attention to the importance of bringing forgotten stories to the forefront and the collaborative power of women in the film industry.

Speakers and Panelists:

Event Highlights:

The event began with Lydia and Ginny sharing the inspiration behind "Radium Girls." They spoke about the historical research and personal diaries that shaped the narrative. They emphasized the significance of the radium girls' story and how it remains relevant today. Additionally, they shared their thoughts on women in the film industry and the impact that female filmmakers.

Afterwards, the filmmakers detailed their collaborative process, from discovering the story to casting and production. Lastly, they closed by discussing the creative choices in the film, such as using black and white cinematography and archival footage, which helped ground the fictional elements in historical reality.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Historical Importance: The radium girls' story is a crucial part of American history. It underscores the intersection of labor rights, women's rights, and environmental justice.
  2. Female Collaboration: The production of "Radium Girls" was a testament to the power of women in the film industry and female collaboration. Numerous women had key creative and production roles.
  3. Creative Storytelling: The filmmakers employed innovative techniques, including using archival footage and period-specific cinematography, to create an authentic and engaging narrative.

Actionable Insights:

  1. Support Female Filmmakers: Female directors, writers, and producers need to be encouraged and supported by promoting and watching films created by women, in addition to other actions to lift up women in the film industry.
  2. Engage with History: Often-overlooked historical narratives need to be brought to the forefront in order to understand their relevance and impact on current social issues.
  3. Promote Awareness: Using social media platforms to raise awareness about stories such as the radium girls, along with ongoing environmental justice and workers' rights issues is a fundamental component of advocacy.

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Upcoming Events
In Person

The Hollywood Summit: Advancing Women in Tech

Join us for a dynamic summit where Hollywood meets Tech to bridge the gender gap. Discover how authentic portrayals of women in Tech can inspire change!
6pm - 9pm - The Ebell of Los Angeles
Speaker:
Geena Davis, Founder and Chair, Geena Davis Institute