Streaming site Vimeo have taken a swing at the glass ceiling and it seems they’re about to break through.
In an attempt to bring gender equality to the male dominated world of Hollywood the site has paired with Sundance to “empower [Female] creators to make, share, and sell amazing videos directly to viewers”. The initiative titled ‘Share the Screen’ will provide funding to 5 female created movies each year, working towards a higher number of successful female directors, writers and actors inside the industry.
Announced late January this year the project aims to close the gender gap. In 2015 female directors were responsible for only 9% of the 250 highest grossing films, the same number as 1998. The initiative will be impactful in regard to the exposure of both new females creatives and an old but still very real imbalance of work.
The program kicked off officially this week with the release of SNL’s Aidy Bryant’s short film Darby Forever. The 20 minute film follows the week of fabric shop worker Darby as she navigates love, work and an over active imagination. Directed by Oz Rodriguez the film is a playful and colourful addition to Vimeo’s library. Like the main character it is sweet natured and humbling, following Darby as she serves customers, interested in their projects and envisioning herself in their lives. Dialogue and story aside, it is hard not to fall in love with this film visually. The coloured fabrics, beading and design of the shop offer an innocent and creative mirror to Darby’s mind.
Joining Bryant are crowd favourites Retta (Parks and Recs) and Natasha Lyonne (Orange is the New Black) playing Darby’s co-working and punk rock customer respectively. Luka Jones completes the ensemble as Darby’s love interest/water delivery man. In an attempt at love Darby prematurely empties the coolers and decorates herself with baseball related embroidery in order create conversation.
Photo credit: Vimeo
The release of this film comes as the first step in the much needed and hopefully long lived project, showcasing the talent of those who may otherwise stay unknown. Vimeo is leading the pack, opening the doors of Hollywood up enough for under represented groups to get their feet in the door. The ‘Share the Screen’ program has been followed by another Vimeo inclusion initiative, paired with ‘Here Media Partner’. The site announced earlier this month they would be streamlining a LGBT focused program.
Available to rent or buy and definitely worth the $1.89 Darby Forever can be found on the Vimeo website. Here is a look at the trailer.