Introduction

“The Woman’s Rite” explores the profound journey of women as they age into their elderhood. Interwoven with evocative interviews, this film documents one woman’s rite of passage ritual and how it can serve as a model for women reclaiming their power in a world that often overlooks their wisdom and contribution.

Georgette looking in mirror

About the project

This insightful documentary film explores an awakening to internalized ageism and embodied cultural programming and how it stops elder women from living their full potential. The film highlights new possibilities and celebrates the wisdom and resilience of elder women. Your contribution will help us honor their stories, amplify their voices, and ignite a conversation that will inspire women of all ages to engage fully and confidently in their lives.

Our Mission

Our goal is to shed light on the significance of cultural attitudes toward aging women and encourage a shift in societal perceptions. We hope to inspire this and future generations of women elders to value themselves and contribute their wisdom and energy. Because every woman who does brings us one step closer to a more loving, compassionate, and sustainable future for humanity and our world. Through powerful storytelling and insightful interviews, we aim to leave viewers with a heightened awareness of the issues at hand and a renewed sense of curiosity and inspiration.

Below you will find a selection of short clips from our preview promo video.

Meat Our Team

Georgette profile

Georgette Star
Main Subject and Co-Producer

At the heart of “The Woman’s Rite” is Georgette Star, a remarkable woman in her mid-60s who embodies the essence of the documentary. As a seasoned life coach for personal and spiritual development, Georgette brings a wealth of experience and passion for empowering the Sacred Feminine. Encountering the challenges of entering her mid-60’s, Georgette identified the need for a ritual rite of passage for women entering their post-reproductive years, a journey that forms the core narrative of “The Woman’s Rite.” Through her own rite of passage, Georgette invites viewers to join her in redefining the meaning of aging and celebrating the invaluable contributions of elder women.

Heidi Uecker profile

Heidi Uecker
Director

Meet Heidi Uecker, the visionary director behind The Woman’s Rite. At 36 years old, this film marks Heidi’s directorial debut bringing a fresh perspective and creative energy to our documentary. With a background in the performing arts and a passion for amplifying underrepresented voices, Heidi is committed to bringing the stories of women elders to life on screen.

Eleanor

N. Eleanor Campbell
Producer

N. Eleanor Campbell is a native Portland screenwriter and producer. After leaving her job as a computational biologist to pursue a career in film, she has completed film programs from both UCLA and Vancouver Film School. Her short films Hey Man (2022) and Turing Test (2023) have won festival acclaim, while her short scripts Game Night and The Pursuit of Failure were chosen for publication in The Timberline Review and her TV pilot The Scottish Lady has won accolades in multiple national competitions.

Cecily Crow profile

Cecily Crow
Development Producer

Cecily Crow is a seasoned professional in both the performing arts and the realm of holistic healing. With over 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry as an actor, writer, and producer, Cecily brings a wealth of storytelling expertise to “The Woman’s Rite.” Most recently, the screenplay she co-wrote for the film The Way Through won first place at the LA Film Awards. In addition to her work in film, Cecily is an embodiment teacher and guide, leveraging her skills and insights to support individuals on their healing journeys.

Julie Nhem
Director of Photography

Julie spent over 20 years as a stills photographer specializing in portrait and event work. She stepped onto her first narrative film set in 2017 and fell in love with the collaborative process! She immediately enrolled in the Film Studies program at Portland State University and in her first year at PSU she had the fortune of being chosen to work as an OMPA PATHWAYS Camera PA on the feature film Pig, assisting and training with some of Portland’s most accomplished filmmaking professionals. Since then, she’s contributed to a multitude of projects in the camera department as a Local 600 Camera Assistant. Most recently she’s been spending her time as the Director of Photography on several narrative, commercial, music video, live event and documentary projects. Julie’s film contributions have won honorable mentions in cinematography, winner of their category and official selections in several local film festivals.

When Julie isn’t working she’s spending time with her kiddos, probably paddleboarding, at a show, watching movies, or finding something fun to do around the neighborhood.

Visual Storytelling

In “The Woman’s Rite,” we blend visual metaphor, intimate interviews, and personal narratives to create a powerful and evocative exploration of the female experience. Themes of loss, resilience, and empowerment resonate throughout, inviting viewers to confront their own fears, celebrate triumphs, and embrace the wisdom of age and experience.

Ritual plays a central role, symbolized through natural elements like water, fire, and earth. From washing away grief in a river to burning fears in a fire, the film culminates in an intergenerational rite of passage ritual, where the young and old come together to impart their gifts of wisdom, guiding the transition into elderhood.

Through this multi-layered approach, “The Woman’s Rite” seeks to transcend traditional documentary filmmaking and offer viewers a transformative experience that resonates deeply with the human spirit.

Why Support Us

By supporting “The Woman’s Rite,” you’re not just funding a documentary; you’re joining a movement to redefine the narrative of aging and empower women around the world. Together, we can create a more inclusive and enlightened society where the voices of women elders are valued and celebrated. Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment!

Thank you for your support!

Frequently Asked Questions

This film sheds light on a transformative stage of life often overlooked in society. By sharing these stories, we aim to inspire a deeper appreciation for the contributions and wisdom of elder women, challenging societal norms around aging.

Funds will cover production costs, including filming, editing, and distribution. Additionally, they will support marketing efforts to ensure the film reaches a broad audience.

Backers can receive a range of rewards depending on their contribution level including participation in a virtual Q&A session with the filmmakers, limited edition prints, and even an associate producer credit in the film.

We aim to complete the documentary within 12 months after the campaign ends. Updates on progress will be regularly shared with backers.

Independent filmmaking is an inherently risky endeavor. Some potential obstacles include meeting funding goals, navigating production unpredictability, managing post-production complexities, and securing distribution channels. Despite these potential challenges, we’re committed to creating a documentary that deeply resonates with audiences.

You can support us by sharing our campaign on social media, telling friends and family about the project, and engaging with us on our social media platforms to spread the word.

The Woman’s Rite

If you would like to donate to help with the production of our project, click HERE.




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