By Heidi Philipsen
Why is it that when men make poignant films about a male’s coming-of-age, they are allowed to explore the pain, heartache, betrayal, danger, and the need for getting even or choosing a lesser evil to right a wrong—while women-centric films are expected to carry out a fairy tale romance?
Though I’ve been acting ever since the school musical Twelve Dancing Princesses gave me something to do with my pre-pubescent angst, it wasn’t until after I had established myself as a freelance cultural journalist abroad and had an out-of-body experience interviewing Shirley MacClaine at the Berlin International Film Festival that I decided to follow my dreams to act, write, produce and direct.
So, it’s a pretty big deal that my debut feature film, Darcy, as co-director and producer, will have its world premiere at the Twin Cities Film Fest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 24th.
Heidi Philipsen
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Johanna Tolentino
Welcome to NYWIFT Johanna Tolentino! Tolentino, whose acting journey began at just 16 with a role in the iconic film Lean On Me, alongside Morgan Freeman, has made her mark in both television and film, appearing in acclaimed shows like Orange is the New Black, Law & Order SVU, and the Creed films. With a rich background in theater, she has honed her craft at the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York, bringing authenticity and depth to every character she portrays. Johanna’s latest project, the web series Whatever It Takes, reflects her personal journey as a survivor of narcissistic abuse, showcasing her resilience and commitment to sharing powerful stories. As she joins the NYWIFT community, Johanna expresses her excitement about connecting with fellow women creatives who inspire and uplift one another. Let’s dive into her remarkable journey, her approach to acting, and the impactful stories she aims to tell.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Nicole Palermo
Welcome to NYWIFT, Nicole Palermo! Based in New York, Nicole Palermo is a producer and production manager experienced in both narrative and documentary filmmaking. After studying acting in college, she and friends launched a four-episode web series and founded their production company, Talking Back Pictures. She fell in love with producing and transitioned to full-time production in 2019, moving to documentaries with Apple TV+’s The Super Models in 2021. Known for her work in the five-time Emmy Award-winning Jim Henson: Idea Man, her documentary work emphasizes flexibility in storytelling, while her narrative projects, including Seoul Swith and Pen, Again, showcase her abilities working on meticulously executed films. This fall, she is producing the short film The Daughter by Mary Ann Anane.
READ MORENYWIFT Member Spotlight: Haroula Rose
NYWIFT Member Haroula Rose is a filmmaker and musician from Chicago, now residing in Los Angeles. She just recently completed All Happy Families, her sophomore feature film as writer, director and producer. It had its international premiere in Galway and was released theatrically in late 2024 with Freestyle and AMC. Her debut feature as writer/director, Once Upon a River, based on the best-selling novel, was “One of the Most Anticipated Films” in TIME Magazine and FILMMAKER, winning 19 awards at over 40 festivals worldwide.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Wanda Coppage
Welcome to NYWIFT, Wanda Coppage! Wanda J. Coppage is a creative force in the music and entertainment industry, driven by her passion for music supervision in TV and film. With a background in broadcast journalism and digital media, she has connected with community leaders and entertainers alike, serving as a red carpet correspondent for the BET Soul Train Awards. Recently, she launched 70 Starr Media to embrace her multifaceted identity and offer emceeing and digital content services. Currently completing a Music Supervision certificate at Berklee while pursuing her MBA, Wanda is also set to moderate the premiere of Tubi’s Divided Loyalty, showcasing her commitment to creativity and growth in the industry.
READ MORE
