Pushing Back Against the System
Three new films about identity, belonging, and the courage to challenge the rules.
As Women’s History Month invites reflection on the stories we elevate, and those often overlooked, these three films offer distinct but connected perspectives on power, identity, and belonging. Tow highlights the systemic barriers faced by a woman navigating homelessness and bureaucracy, while By Design uses surreal humor to examine how women are seen and valued in society. Meanwhile, Magellan reclaims history itself, challenging dominant narratives of exploration and empire. Together, these films remind us that celebrating women’s stories also means questioning the systems and histories that have shaped them — and making space for new ways of seeing.
Tow
This docu-drama stars Rose Byrne as a woman experiencing homelessness who becomes trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare after her car is towed and she’s hit with overwhelming fines. The film highlights systemic inequality, poverty, and the Kafkaesque challenges many face navigating city systems.
By Design
This surreal indie dramedy from director Amanda Kramer follows a woman who mysteriously swaps bodies with a chair — and is suddenly more accepted by society. Beneath its absurd premise, the film explores identity, objectification, and how women are valued (or not) in modern culture.
Magellan
From acclaimed Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, this newly released historical drama reexamines the story of Ferdinand Magellan through the perspective of the colonized people he encountered. The film challenges traditional narratives of exploration, offering a powerful meditation on colonialism, power, and historical memory.