By Joy Tanner
TIFF’s Women in Action series is well underway and includes a screening of Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story (Thursday, July 18) followed by a panel discussion, co-presented by ACTRA Toronto, featuring stunt performers Stephannie Hawkins, Alison Reid and Alicia Turner, moderated by stunt coordinator Tig Fong.
Performers Magazine Editor Joy Tanner spoke with Anita Lee, TIFF’s Chief Programming Officer, about what inspired TIFF to create this series, why it is holding a panel discussion with members of Canada’s stunt community and more!
Joy Tanner (JT): What inspired TIFF to create the Women in Action series?
Anita Lee (AL): For the most part, Michelle Yeoh and her Academy Award win for Best Actress in Everything Everywhere All at Once was the inspiration for the series. Her win was historic, representing the first time an Oscar was awarded to an Asian actor. It was also the first time an action film with a female lead had won the Best Picture award.
We used this as a jumping off point in our look back at other women action stars and characters who had moved the action genre forward in one way or another. Our marquee series, which continues until July 31st, includes 24 films with a focus on American and Asian cinema.
JT: Why was it time to shine a spotlight specifically on the contributions of stunt women to action films?
AL: It was a confluence of things. Nida Manzoor’s delightful film Polite Society, starring Priya Kansara (Bridgerton) broke new ground by becoming a critically acclaimed and commercially successful action film; one with a winning sense of humour, it marked a significant moment for representation and diversity within the action genre. There is also the movement to recognize stunt performers at the Academy Awards, which has been gaining momentum and the anticipation around the recent theatrical release of Furiosa was another reason why it felt timely to present this series now. Our series recognizes the rise of women action stars and also their predecessors who have been under-celebrated throughout film history. It is our way of celebrating a growing trend, which has been long in the making; in an industry that is becoming more equitable and dynamic.
JT: The presentation of the documentary Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story also includes a post-screening panel discussion with ACTRA Toronto members and stunt performers Stephannie Hawkins and Amy Szoke.
Why is it important for TIFF to hold a discussion with members of Canada’s stunt community to talk about women stunt performers who have long been underrepresented here in Canada and in Hollywood?
AL: It’s important to continue to raise awareness of the inequity in this field. Even today, women stunt performers have faced situations where male stunt performers are used to double for women actors. Greater recognition for women stunt performers would help to ensure they are given the opportunities they deserve. And that issues of representation aren’t being sidelined.
JT: Why did TIFF decide to partner with ACTRA Toronto to co-present this screening and panel discussion?
AL: ACTRA Toronto was an obvious choice for collaborating on this event since its mission, at its core, is all about representing and protecting actors and film performers rights, and ensuring that their voices are heard.
This is a timely and crucial conversation ACTRA has been on the frontlines dealing with; the outdated practice of male stunt performers as stand-ins for women and perpetuating a false narrative of women’s limited physical capabilities. Women are fierce, powerful and skilled fighters. Portraying them accurately helps to challenge gender stereotypes. By showcasing women in action roles, we contribute to a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.
Joy Tanner is the Editor of Performers Magazine, and Performers on Set. She has voiced Candy Kong in Donkey Kong.
