Is there anything the woman can’t do? A strong advocate for equality and anti-ageism in Hollywood, Meryl Streep has announced that she’ll be funding a retreat program for screenwriters aged over 40. Run by New York Women in Film and Television’s The Writers Lab, the program aims to develop and nurture the talents of women screenwriters who are, according to a study, a minority in the industry.
Among the mentors will be Legally Blonde writer Kirsten Smith, Beyond the Lights’ Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Boyhood producer Caroline Kaplan. Eight applicants will be selected to a weekend retreat, organised by women in film advocate IRIS, in September. Unfortunately, the program is restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents only at the moment. No news or hints if it will open up to the rest of the world.
Along with her contribution to women positions in the film industry, Streep will portray activist Emmeline Pankhurst in the upcoming film Suffragette which centres on the rise of feminism and struggle for women’s voting rights in the UK. Releasing in October, the film will also star Helena Bonham Carter and Carey Mulligan.