Womens Independent Cinema
This was a great website that brought its members a compilation of FOUR acclaimed "independent" films including a documentary all created by women filmmakers, on one DVD every month — delivered to your home. Below are just two examples of the fine films this site would offer.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages.
Our mission is to entertain, empower, educate and bring financial opportunities to women all over the world — and we do this through the magic of movies. We invite you to join us on this journey.
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As an independent filmmaker currently developing a documentary on eating disorder treatments, I found Women’s Independent Cinema deeply inspiring. The site’s mission to entertain, empower, and educate through the lens of women filmmakers resonates powerfully with my own creative journey. Like the WICinema founders, I’m motivated by the belief that storytelling—especially when it’s authentic, compassionate, and socially conscious—can change the way we view healing and resilience.
My upcoming project is profoundly personal; my daughter is undergoing residential treatment and has bravely agreed to let her experience be shared. Reading about films like The Blue Butterfly, which channels real-life courage into cinematic beauty, reminded me why stories of struggle and recovery matter. Similarly, Speechless—with its themes of trauma, empowerment, and reclaiming one’s voice—mirrors the emotional arc I’m trying to capture in my own work.
What struck me most was how Women’s Independent Cinema served as both a distribution platform and a community for filmmakers who wanted to make a difference. Long before streaming made independent film more accessible, this site built bridges between artists and audiences hungry for truth and empathy. As someone striving to portray recovery with honesty and hope, I see WICinema’s legacy as a reminder that film can be a vessel for healing—both for those who make it and those who watch. Darla Kane
Examples of the WICinema Film Collection
This Month’s Highlighted Documentary
The Blue Butterfly
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Title: The Blue Butterfly |
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“Story Soars. Williams Hurt and Pascale Bussie`res subdued-but-powerful performances add welcome depth to what is no ordinary family film. Stunning cinemagraphy. A magical atmosphere.”
“It’s a family film, and on that level it’s a fantastic piece of filmmaking. A triumph of the genre” efilmcritic.com
Synopsis: Starring Academy Award winner William Hurt, Pascale Bussières, Marc Donato
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Inspired by a true story, The Blue Butterfly is about ten year-old Pete Carlton (Marc Donato) who is diagnosed as terminally ill and his determined mother will stop at nothing to ensure her son’s dream. Funny and intelligent, yet somewhat shy, Pete is stoic and incredibly courageous when it comes to his condition. He seeks refuge by observing the miniature world of cocoons and insects that he collects. Given only months to live, Pete has one wish; to catch the most beautiful butterfly on earth, the legendary Blue Morpho…the Mariposa Azul, a magnificent creature found only in the tropical rain forests of Central and South America. He is convinced that this butterfly with the azure wings can reveal the mystery of life to him. Teresa Carlton (Pascale Bussieres) is Pete’s single mother. She is brave, worn out, consumed by love and sorrow for her dying son, and determined to overcome any obstacle that stands in the way of his dream. She begins by convincing Alan Osborne (William Hurt), a renowned entomologist and Pete’s hero, to take them to the jungle. Alan is a passionate, rugged yet vulnerable man who, due partly to a secret that haunts him, prefers the company of insects over people. He is initially dead-set against this idea. But, thanks to Pete’s determination, and his talent as a manipulator, his hero finally agrees to go along with the idea. However, since the Blue Morpho season is almost over, Alan will only give Pete a couple days to try to capture the magical butterfly. The Blue Butterfly is about the coming of age of a young boy and a mature man who both must learn to emerge from their protective cocoons to live life to the fullest.The True Inspiration: David Marenger Biography
David Marenger was born on August 16, 1981 in Coteau du Lac in Quebec, Canada. At age six he was diagnosed with brain cancer and was given only a short time to live.
In 1988 the Children’s Wish Foundation granted him his wish which was to catch a “blue morpho”. This was his first trip ever and it was expected by his doctors that it would be his last. He had only a few months. He traveled to Mexico with an accomplished entomologist from Montreal, Mr. George Brossard, to catch the blue butterfly. He was so weakened by his condition that he had to be carried through the jungle by Mr. Brossard for the chase. His dream of catching the blue butterfly came true.
Beyond the adventure of grasping his dream, when he returned to Canada, his battle against cancer was strengthened and a miracle occurred. The cancer went into remission and he has not had to take any medications since the age of 18, he is now 24 years old.
David credits hope, belief and perseverance for his newfound strength and health. Assisted by his uncle Richard Filion, he travels to schools and hospitals to share his message. He is living proof that belief and perseverance can lead to miracles.
The movie “The Blue Butterfly” was inspired by his life story. He has had the opportunity to travel again to spread the magic of the blue butterfly. In 2002, during the filming of the movie he traveled to Costa Rica, on location, where he caught another blue butterfly but this time he was capable of standing on his own two feet. In 2004, he traveled to Japan by invitation to share the magic with moviegoers on the other side of the world. And in September 2005 he helped to launch the movie at The Orinda Film Festival where proceeds from the movie benefited The Children’s Hospital Research Center in Oakland California, specializing in pediatric cancer research and treatment.
David’s future holds two more dreams: 1) more visits to hospitals and schools to inspire and support children and 2) the hope for his own aviary for butterflies. David is preparing to open the doors to his own “house” to children to share the miracles of nature and to share his message of strength and hope.
David is a simple man with a simple but powerful message.
About the Director
Director: Léa Pool
(1950-)
Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Portfolio
Films created by the Genius Filmmaker Léa Pool:
1978 Laurent Lamerre, portier
1979 Strass Café
1982 Eva en transit
1984 La femme de l'hôtel
1984 A Woman in Waiting
1986 Anne Trister
1988 À corps perdu
1988 Straight for the Heart
1990 Hotel Chronicles
1991 Montréal Sextet: Rispondetemi segment
1991 Montréal vu par… six variations on a theme: Rispondetemi
1991 La demoiselle sauvage
1991 The Savage Woman
1993 Desire in Motion
1993 Mouvements du désir
1996 Femmes : une histoire inédite. Le tango des sexes
1996 Femmes : une histoire inédite. Échos du futur
1996 Lettre à ma fille
1996 Women: A True Story. The Gender Tango (segment)
1996 Women: A True Story. Postcards from the Future (segment)
1997 Gabrielle Roy
1998 Emporte-moi
1998 Set Me Free
2001 Lost and Delirious
2001 Rebelles ou la rage au coeur
2004 The Blue Butterfly
2004 Le papillon bleu
www.montereymedia.com/independent/blue_butterfly.html
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Speechless
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Title |
Speechless |
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Genre |
Feature • Drama |
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Producers |
Dawanna Kimble |
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Time |
70 minutes |
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Rating |
N/R (Not Rated) |
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Starring: Debbie Fan, Omari Hardwick Mia Sakamoto feels trapped physically and verbally abused by men all her life, until she crosses paths with a spoken word artist Ku James. Ku is Mia's savior, guiding her to discover her inner strength, her voice. She discovers herself as he finds unconditional love. About the Director Blu Fox
In 2000, Blu decided to leave North Carolina to pursue God’s will on his life, filmmaking. Arriving in Hollywood, he immediately began working as an actor in various commercials and independent films, and appeared on hit television shows such as NYPD Blue, Boomtown, and General Hospital. He quickly realized there was a need for quality character driven films and stories that depicted real life. So, he decided to write, direct, and executive produce his own film, “Speechless” starring Omari Hardwick (”The Guardian,” “Gridiron Gang,” “Saved,” and “Beauty Shop”) and Debbie Fan (“The Shield,” “Strong Medicine,” and “The Agency”). As well as many nationally ranked HBO Def Jam Poets (Mayda Del Valle, Adam Paul, Shihan, and more). Speechless is distributed by Image Entertainment. Recently he completed his second film, entitled “The Gift A.D.”. The Gift A.D. is based on a harsh but true story that revolves around a severely scarred child, Adam Jacob. The Gift A.D. is a 2006 BET RAP IT UP finalist. Blu continues to develop and write new projects such as his up and coming football drama, “The Red Zone”, and the true story of one of the most successful slave revolts, entitled “Nat”. Recently, Blu embarked on a new journey by starting his company Samson Entertainment. Samson Entertainment’s slogan is, “Forging the evolution of entertainment,“ which reflects his passion to create change in the industry. He believes everything he does is through the grace of God.
About the Producers DaWanna Kimble, Executive Producer DaWanna Kimbleserved as the Executive Producer for Speechless. She has been in this film industry for 25 years. She started acting on stage at age 8 and by age 12 she moved into TV, Film and Commercials. DaWanna wrote and directed her first short film called "Holding" at age 21. She met her good friend Blu Fox six years ago on another project, "Mama's Boyz." DaWanna still currently serves as Executive Producer, Director, and Writer on various other projects. Elvia Gonzalez, Associate Producer Working on the film, Speechless was an exciting, eye-opening experience. This was the first film I worked on. My background wasn’t in filmmaking but rather in business and the extent of my knowledge was… that I loved watching films. I say all of that, to explain how much of a newfound respect I have for filmmaking. We all have thoughts, ideas, and stories that run through our heads but to be passionate enough to make those thoughts and ideas reality, is another thing. So much goes into making a film. From writing the script, finding the talent, formulating a shooting budget, and making sure that you stay on budget through out the production. This takes a person with a lot of patience, faith, and talent, and seeing this passion in the Writer, Director, Producer, Blu Fox made it easy to want to work on this project as an Associate Producer. Since then, I’ve worked on Blu’s second film, entitled “The Gift A.D” as a Line Producer. The film is amazing and is based on true stories. You can view the trailer at: TheGiftAD.com My experience working on these films was extraordinary. Currently, we are on the festival circuit with “The Gift A.D.” and are working on two more up and coming projects that are in development (The Red Zone and Nat). With every project, my passion grows for the art of filmmaking. I feel blessed to play an important part of making people’s dreams come true.
Review By Jan Lisa Huttner “Mia Sakamoto” (Debbie Fan) is filled with rage. Her father is an abusive alcoholic and her mother is unable to protect her, even when she literally throws her body into the breech to deflect his blows. Leave now, Mrs. Sakamoto (Akiko Shima) whispers urgently to her daughter. Mia quickly packs and runs to the car, but her father (Michael Yama) is soon standing at the driver’s side window, bellowing. She has nowhere to go, he mocks, and he’s right. Finding her way to a seemingly safe haven, Mia fills notebook after notebook with bilious poems that grow ever more extreme as she realizes she’s merely traded one prison for another. Then “Jason” (Adam Paul) brings home a flyer one day, inviting them to a poetry slam. He doesn’t want to go but Mia clearly does, so he decides to indulge her. Big mistake, Jason! Mia is transfixed by the energy unleashed by spoken words, and when she learns the next night is “Open Mike Night,” she’s determined to give it a try. SPEECHLESS is a passionate tribute to oratory. The central performances by Fan, Paul, and Omari Hardwick (playing Mia’s slam mentor “Ku”) are all excellent. As the relationship between Mia and Ku grows, their words leave the street behind and climb towards Shakespearean heights until, by the last act, they’ve almost made their way up to the climax of ROMEO AND JULIET. This is truly thrilling to watch, and gives credibility to an emerging art form by reminding us that even Shakespeare once wrote for real audiences (yes, including “groundlings”). The actors playing Mia’s parents have small but critical parts, which they handle with grace. When Mr. Sakamoto falls to his knees and begs for forgiveness, it’s hard not to root for him. The competing poets are also totally convincing, especially Sufe Bradshaw, as the sister from Chicago who takes the stage on Mia’s first night. Ku has problems of his own, of course, and he’s just as emotionally damaged as Mia is when they first meet. Writer/director Blu Fox sets up an emotionally-tense dynamic between a woman who’s learned to use sex as a commodity and a man who loves her but refuses to have intercourse with her. Mia is genuinely confused when Ku won’t sleep with her, and it fuels her rage in a fascinating way. The personal and the political confound her. Is he rejecting her because she’s Asian-American? Is he mocking her when he tells her he likes women with bigger butts? Is Ku just one more incarnation of her father? SPEECHLESS was literally made on a shoestring, so production values are raw, nevertheless Fox is able to make the milieu come alive, and the lighting during the slam scenes is impressive. I have only one complaint: SPEECHLESS is too short. When did Mia and Jason first meet, and where? How much does he know about her parents when he opens his door to find her standing there suitcase in hand? Adam Paul creates a convincing, hateful villain, but even an arrogant, egotistical monster needs a backstory. |
Born and raised in the small town of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Blu Fox always had a knack for entertaining. By the age of 12 Blu was writing, directing, producing, and acting in school plays, and continued to be a creative force throughout high school. At 17, he received a scholarship to the prestigious North Carolina School of the Arts where he notably enhanced and further developed his passion for entertainment.
More Background On WomensIndependentCinema.com
Introduction
Women’s Independent Cinema (often abbreviated as WICinema) was an innovative media venture committed to showcasing the works of women filmmakers from around the globe. Operating primarily during the mid-to-late 2000s, the platform distinguished itself by curating a set of four acclaimed, independently-produced films each month—always including at least one documentary—and delivering them to members on a physical DVD via subscription.
This was more than just a DVD club. The mission behind Women’s Independent Cinema went deep: to entertain, empower, educate, and create real financial opportunities for women in the film industry. Each selection was handpicked to offer a rare, high-quality cinematic experience, often focusing on films that were otherwise confined to film festival screenings and unavailable to the general public.
In an era before on-demand streaming dominated film distribution, WICinema bridged an important gap—bringing festival-quality, underrepresented works directly into the homes of its members. This long-form feature will explore the platform’s founding, ownership, mission, curation process, cultural significance, press reception, audience appeal, and the legacy it leaves today.
Founding, Ownership, and Mission
WICinema was founded in the mid-2000s by a diverse group of entrepreneurs with strong backgrounds in entertainment, business, and media distribution. Many had prior experience in both the creative and commercial sides of the film industry, which allowed them to design a sustainable, artist-friendly model while keeping the business viable.
The founders envisioned WICinema as both a cultural platform and a social enterprise. Their philosophy rested on three pillars:
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Artistic Quality – Every film had to meet exacting creative and technical standards.
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Social Impact – Women in filmmaking would be elevated, ensuring their voices reached broader audiences.
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Sustainable Operation – The business aimed to be a model for ethical, forward-thinking companies within creative industries.
Core Mission Goals:
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Entertain: Deliver high-quality independent films to diverse audiences.
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Empower: Provide women filmmakers with a platform that amplifies their work.
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Educate: Introduce viewers to global perspectives and socially relevant issues.
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Sustain: Operate as a micro-model for a fair, supportive creative economy.
Through this mission, WICinema positioned itself not only as a movie distributor but as a catalyst for industry change.
Location, Proximity, and Operations
The headquarters was based in New York City, a location that provided proximity to world-class independent film festivals (Tribeca, New York Film Festival, and countless niche international showcases). This cultural hub allowed the team direct access to up-and-coming filmmakers, innovative distribution collaborations, and an audience receptive to socially conscious media.
The service shipped DVDs nationwide within the U.S., and in some cases, international collectors and cinephiles also subscribed, eager to access the films.
The Monthly “Menu” – Film Curation and Examples
The “menu” at Women’s Independent Cinema was essentially its curated film package.
Curation Process
Every month, the team curated four films, including at least:
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One feature documentary highlighting real-life events or underrepresented perspectives.
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A mix of narrative dramas, experimental works, and shorter features.
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Films by both emerging and established female directors.
The selections came from international film festivals, independent film markets, and direct submissions, ensuring diversity in style, culture, and theme.
Highlighted Films from the WICinema Collection
1. The Blue Butterfly
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Genre: Drama / Feature
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Director: Léa Pool
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Stars: William Hurt, Pascale Bussières, Marc Donato
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Runtime: 97 minutes
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Rating: PG
Synopsis:
Inspired by the true-life story of David Marenger, The Blue Butterfly follows ten-year-old Pete Carlton, diagnosed as terminally ill. His dream is to capture the rare Blue Morpho butterfly in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. His journey becomes not only an adventure but a profound exploration of life, love, and hope.
Critical Acclaim:
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The Montreal Gazette described it as having “stunning cinematography” and a “magical atmosphere.”
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efilmcritic.com hailed it as “a triumph of the genre.”
Cultural Resonance:
David Marenger’s real-life recovery after his butterfly expedition infused the story with emotional gravitas. The film inspired audiences to consider the healing power of hope and personal dreams.
About Director Léa Pool:
A Swiss-born Canadian filmmaker, Pool is celebrated for her intimate, character-driven storytelling. Her filmography spans decades, with a recurring focus on emotional depth and the resilience of the human spirit.
2. Speechless
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Genre: Drama / Feature
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Director: Blu Fox
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Cast: Debbie Fan, Omari Hardwick
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Runtime: 70 minutes
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Rating: Not Rated (contains strong language)
Synopsis:
Mia Sakamoto grows up under the shadow of abuse and emotional isolation. Her life shifts when she discovers empowerment through the spoken word poetry scene. Mentored by poet Ku James, she learns to reclaim her voice and identity, navigating love, trust, and self-respect along the way.
Behind the Scenes:
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Director Blu Fox: Transitioned from a career in acting to filmmaking, driven by a desire to tell authentic, character-centered narratives.
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Producers DaWanna Kimble and Elvia Gonzalez: Brought personal passion and commitment to indie film production, helping bring Speechless to completion despite tight resources.
Critical Review:
Film critic Jan Lisa Huttner described it as “a passionate tribute to oratory,” highlighting the electrifying poetry slam sequences and emotional authenticity of the lead performances.
Audience Appeal and Popularity
Women’s Independent Cinema appealed to:
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Feminist audiences advocating for better representation in media.
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Film students and educators studying gender in cinema.
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Cinephiles craving curated, rare independent works.
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Documentary enthusiasts seeking real-life, socially relevant stories.
The DVD subscription model appealed strongly to niche collectors and those outside major cities where festivals were inaccessible.
Awards and Recognition
While WICinema was primarily a distributor, the films it curated often came pre-decorated with festival awards. By securing these films for monthly members, it helped extend the life and audience reach of movies that might only have had brief or limited theatrical runs.
Press and Media Coverage
WICinema garnered attention from:
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Independent film critics
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Feminist arts publications
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Cultural journalists interested in new distribution models
Media coverage consistently praised the role of WICinema as a curator, noting that its selections reflected both artistic excellence and social relevance—a combination that set it apart from more commercially driven distributors.
Cultural and Social Significance
WICinema played a unique role in shaping the discourse on gender in cinema during a pre-streaming era. Its social significance can be broken into several key points:
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Representation: Provided consistent visibility for female filmmakers at a time when their percentage in the industry was significantly lower than today.
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Cultural Preservation: Introduced audiences to films with limited distribution, preserving access to independent cinema.
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Network Building: Connected filmmakers with audiences who were specifically interested in socially conscious, women-led narratives.
Challenges and the Changing Media Landscape
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, the rise of streaming platforms disrupted the DVD subscription model. While Netflix initially mailed DVDs, streaming changed consumer expectations for instant access. WICinema faced the challenge of adapting to this shift—a hurdle that many niche distributors struggled to overcome.
Lasting Legacy
WICinema may no longer be active, but its DNA can be seen in:
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Modern streaming services dedicated to independent and international cinema.
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Film festivals now offering online screenings, inspired in part by ventures like WICinema.
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Greater female representation in film directing, producing, and screenwriting over the last decade.
It demonstrated the demand for thoughtfully curated, identity-conscious film programming long before this became a trend in the streaming world.
Women’s Independent Cinema was more than a DVD club—it was an artistic statement and a social commitment. By marrying curation with advocacy, it brought the genius of women filmmakers to living rooms across the country. Whether through The Blue Butterfly’s heartwarming tale of hope or Speechless’s raw exploration of personal empowerment through poetry, WICinema proved that independent film could entertain, inspire, and change perspectives.
Its legacy endures in the ongoing global push for representation, diversity, and quality in storytelling—and in the audiences whose lives were enriched by the films it championed.