A feature documentary on the courage & creativity of female grafitti an street artists from around the world.

Street Heroines is a feature-length documentary celebrating the courage and creativity of women who despite their lack of recognition have been an integral part of the graffiti and street art movement since the beginning. Authentic vérité storytelling woven between an interview-driven narrative, Street Heroines juxtaposes the personal experiences of three emerging Latina artists from New York City, Mexico City, and São Paulo as they navigate a male-dominated subculture to establish artistic identities within chaotic urban landscapes.

Punctuated by historical anecdotes from pioneering artists Lady Pink, Claw Money, Nina Pandolfo, Swoon, Lady Aiko, iconic graffiti photographer Martha Cooper, and others, Street Heroines is the first-of-its-kind documentary to capture the collective outcry of female street artists from around the world, shining a light on their mission for creative expression and their endeavors to overcome sexism through art.

While numerous graffiti genre documentaries feature familiar names such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey, Street Heroines infiltrates this masculine space by legitimizing women’s voices within an unquestionably important movement that symbolizes far more than the sum of its parts. Now, in the wake of #MeToo and Time’s Up, which have had astounding repercussions for women’s justice, there is no time more relevant for a film that exposes the struggles of female artists worldwide and situates them within the global conversation.

A bastion of female empowerment, Street Heroines gives visibility to fearless artists who create their own opportunities in the name of women’s rights, gender, and economic equality, increased accessibility to the arts, and the celebration of cultural identity. Celebrating the courage and creativity of female graffiti and street artists worldwide, Street Heroines envisions a world where young women and girls are encouraged early to pursue a creative path, to find their voice, and to make their mark on the world in service of gender equity, community, and social justice.

Alexandra Henry is a multilingual emerging director with over 12 years of international experience in film and branded entertainment. She was selected for SHOOT Magazine's New Directors Showcase 2019 and named a finalist for the STARZ & The Wrap Women's 'Telling Our Stories' film contest, she showcases her passion for art, music, and languages through photography and her on-going documentary film project 'Street Heroines'. She has been recognized twice as a Curate NYC Emerging Artist for her body of photographic work that explores the human experience in densely populated metropolis through architecture and graffiti. She received her B.A. in Diplomacy & World Affairs from Occidental College and speaks Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Italian. Based in New York City, she was born in Alexandria, Virginia and raised near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

During the filmmaking process I realized that my connection to the artists that I featured in Street Heroines was found in the shared desire to prove ourselves in these non-typical career paths for women. While they were using the street to pave a way for other women to participate in the street art culture, I too was making strides for women in photography and film. The fact that we persevered with few role models or mentors further empowered me to finish the project at all costs. Now we are role models for the next generation of creatively inclined girls!

At first my goal was to give voice to underrepresented women who have contributed to graffiti and street art culture for decades. It's a subject I have followed since I was a teenager, however I didn’t consider women to be part of it until I was much older and saw first-hand two girls spray painting in the street one day in New York City. When I started to research women in the movement, it was clear that not much had been written or documented on them, save for Lady Pink. Street Heroines was to be my gift to the culture and ideally inspire others to tell more stories of the countless women who make art in the public space. The more we document and discuss the importance of art made by women, from all backgrounds, the sooner we de-stigmatize street art and embrace its transformative power. I think Street Heroines makes a good argument that women can accomplish anything.

This is my first feature and I shot much of it myself, before I was financially able to bring on skilled cinematographers. From a technical angle, my artistic craft evolved from photography to filmmaking. Additionally, I learned how to edit which is an invaluable skill as a storyteller. I speak other languages so that gave me another level of access into the worlds of the artists and allowed me to establish an intimacy in the interview process as well. My biggest takeaway, however, is realizing that to be a good director, you have to be a great producer. I produced this film, while also working as a freelance commercial producer for global clients like Pepsi and Gatorade. While Street Heroines took many years to finish, in the end, I can say I learned how to make a documentary film!

Filmcast Artists: Abusa Crew, Alice Mizrachi, Bln Bike, Claw $$, Dina So Mina, Danielle Mastrion, Elle, Fefe Talavera, Fio Silva, Fusca, Gilf! aka Ann Lewis, Lady Aiko, Lady Pink (second picture), La Crespa, La Jefa, Legs, Lexi Bella, Lili Cuca, Magrella, Malicia, Martha Cooper, Miss 163, Moos, Nina Pandolfo, Nube, Panmela Castro aka Anarkia, Pau, Raronica, Shiro, Siss (first picture), Swoon, Toofly, Txar, Tysa, Vanessa Rosa, Vera Primavera, Vero Rivera, Zel

Director & Producer : Alexandra Henry

Genre : documentary

Duur : ongoing

Datum : n/a