PIONEERS IN SKIRTS

Pioneers in Skirts is an Emmy-nominated 60-min documentary following filmmaker Ashley Maria’s quest to peel back the layers of obstacles that can limit a woman or girl’s pioneering ambition.

ASHLEY MARIA PRODUCTIONS presents

Summary

Pioneers in Skirts follows director Ashley Maria on a personal journey to find out why careers are much more complicated and difficult when a woman tries to have one.

What started out as a search for advice for how to deal with career setbacks and obstacles in the film industry, our story evolved to explore the experiences of working women across the United States.

Through a series of personal stories and interviews, Pioneers in Skirts sheds light on how seemingly minor slights and biases can accumulate over time (starting during childhood), leading women to start doubting themselves and “re-thinking” their dreams.

KEY NARRATIVE THREADS INCLUDE:

The Filmmaker’s Journey: Ashley shares her own story, from her lifelong dream of directing to the frustration of being constantly referred to as a “woman director” and having her authority questioned on set.
Next Generation Ambition: The film follows the journey of three ambitious teenage girls on a co-ed robotics team and their fathers, exploring how to nurture ambition in young women and address challenges early on.
Real-World Experiences: The documentary also features the story of a young mother concerned her pregnancy announcement will jeopardize a potential promotion, as well as interviews with a diverse range of pioneering women, industry experts, and male allies.

Ultimately, Pioneers in Skirts is a film that champions current and future generations by highlighting actionable solutions, encouraging active, visible support for others, and inspiring a deliberate, long-term commitment to systemic change.

Directed by DGA award-winning and Emmy-nominated director Ashley Maria.

Release Dates

Official Streaming Release: May 2023
Official Global Release at SXSW EDU: March 2023
Official Theatrical Release: October 2022
Broadcast Television Release: August 2021 (PBS/Public Television)
Official Soft Release Date: August 8, 2020 (Zoom/Online screenings during the global pandemic)
Official Film Festival Release: October 2019

Format

Specs: Secure high resolution online streaming link, Blu-ray disc, DCP (digital cinema package)
Language: English | 60-min runtime
Closed captioning: English
Subtitles: Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian, Arabic

Movie Poster

Title: YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The design goal for our movie poster was to express a feeling of optimism. Color elements, diverse faces — all strategically placed to help the viewer feel the hope this film brings. – read more –