This feature documentary is an engaging examination of gender parity in our culture from the perspective of a female filmmaker who was frustrated with her own problems in the film industry.
Not finding many answers within her profession, she decides to expand her search to include other industries and society in general.
In an inspiring portrait of perseverance and determination, director Ashley Maria not only shares her own story, but she follows the journey of 3 girls on a robotic team, their fathers, as well as a young mother – all while traveling the U.S., speaking to fellow pioneering women and topic experts who had solutions to share.
By the end of her quest, Ashley finds out how we ALL can address the stereotyping and sexism that can chip away at a woman, hurt her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams.
Directed by DGA award-winning director Ashley Maria.
The design goal for our movie poster was to express a feeling of optimism. We were mindful to weave in brighter shading from the Pioneer green spectrum into the background so you felt the hope the film brings. The poster design also reflects the movie’s message: You Are Not Alone.
Festival release October 2019
Official release date: August 2020
Theatrical release: in a post-pandemic world :)
Secure online streaming link, Blu-ray disc, DCP
English | 60-min runtime
Closed captioning: English
Subtitles: Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian, Arabic
More information about the film and access to photos & promotional materials can be found here: pioneersinskirts.com/press-kit.
A Pioneer — at its core, is a person who confronts and overcomes the barriers she encounters along her career path. – more –
3-min: Watch/Embed/Download link: vimeo.com/386090624
30-sec: Watch/Embed link: https://youtu.be/0GIPamDFq_8
Pioneers in Skirts is a film from a daughter-mother team dedicated to fast-tracking the cultural change we need in order to achieve a gender equal world.
No stranger to bias, Lea-Ann entered her career at a time where she had to fight for many of her career achievements. Like many women, she assumed her struggles made it easier for younger women entering the workforce. But during a heart-felt conversation on a drive to the beach, her daughter Ashley revealed bias was alive and well, and eroding Ashley’s ambition.
This revelation led them both on a journey to get answers around what Ashley and her colleagues were experiencing. After seeing the data around current stereotyping and sexism, Ashley and Lea-Ann decided to pause their careers, pick up a camera and produce their documentary.
I’m very pleased to introduce Ashley Maria – the director of Pioneers in Skirts and winner of the coveted Director’s Guild of America (DGA) Award. Ashley was also featured by the DGA Women’s Steering Committee as a director who represents the future of women in film. Also joining today is Lea-Ann Berst – the producer of Pioneers in Skirts. Lea-Ann is an activation marketer who works on projects like film impact campaigns and the Olympic Game activation. Fun fact, Lea-Ann also happens to be Ashley’s Mom.
Below are short and long biographies for Ashley and Lea-Ann. Please contact us for more information.
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CO-WRITER
Short Bio:
Pioneers in Skirts Director, Ashley Maria, is a filmmaker located in Los Angeles, CA. Ashley received her MFA from the USC School of Cinematic Arts and is known for her work on many feature & short films, new media, and television commercials. When not on set, Ashley is a directing instructor at UCLA’s Film School and a sound instructor at the American Film Institute’s Young Women in Film program.
She is the recipient of the prestigious Directors Guild of America award, and most recently, she was recognized as the “Best New Director” at the DTLA Film Festival.
PRODUCER, ACTIVATION, CO-WRITER
Short Bio:
Pioneers in Skirts Producer, Lea-Ann W. Berst, is a filmmaker and global activation professional located in Raleigh, NC. Her career spans from Technology to Olympic Brand Activation, and now Film. Lea-Ann is known for her work on impact documentaries and building partnerships and tactics designed to deepen and advance the positive impact a film can have on our culture.
She is the recipient of various leadership and business awards, including the prestigious IBM Award of Excellence and Triangle Women in Business in North Carolina.
Find out more about Ashley by visiting her IMDb page and Ashley-Maria.com website.
Directed by Ashley Maria
Produced by Lea-Ann W. Berst, Ashley Maria
Sound Edit by Amy Reynolds Reed
Composed by Alana Balagot
Sound Editing & Design by Devon Kelley at Skywalker Sound
Sound Mix by Vicki Lemar at Technicolor Post-Production Sound
Edited by Tiffany Hope, Ashley Maria, Crystal Lentz
Production Sound by Rebecca Chan
Cinematography by Elizabeth Yarwood
Written by Lea-Ann W. Berst, Ashley Maria
Graphic Design by Tom Bloczynski
Movie Theme Song “Freeway” by Mia Yara
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