The contemporary film scene is full of inspiring women’s stories, whose narratives of overcoming and achievement have captivated audiences globally. These films and documentaries not only portray their remarkable achievements, but also highlight their personal journeys of struggle and perseverance. Even in the face of the most arduous challenges, they find the courage and determination to realize their dreams and achieve their goals.
Such narratives not only inspire, but also empower viewers of all backgrounds to believe in the power of resilience and determination in the pursuit of their own dreams. Here are 5 of these stories portrayed in films and documentaries on Netflix!
1. Heroin(s) (2017)
The documentary “Heroin(s)” reveals the tragic scenario of the city of Huntington, in West Virginia, in the United States. Known as the overdose capital of the United States, it has one of the highest rates of opioid addicts in the country.
The narrative highlights the tireless work of Jan Hader, sub-chief of the Fire Department, Necia Freeman, a missionary with Brown Bag Ministries, and Patricia Keller, the judge in charge of the drug court. Together, they offer assistance to addicts in various ways, responding to emergencies, distributing food and contributing to changing the fate of these people.
2. Roxanne Roxanne (2018)
Directed by Michael Larnell and produced by Pharrell Williams, the feature is a captivating portrait of the life of Roxanne Shanté, one of the pioneers of female rap in the 80s. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Queens, New York, the film follows Roxanne’s journey as she enters the world of hip-hop, highlighting her exceptional ability from the age of 9, when she was already winning rap contests.
Roxanne faced a number of challenges in her life, including poverty, domestic violence and machismo, as she sought to break into the music scene and showcase her talent. She challenged social norms and overcame significant personal obstacles to achieve success.
3. Radioactive (2019)
The biographical film was inspired by the book “Radioactive: Marie and Pierre Curie: A tale of love and fallout”, by Lauren Redniss, and portrays the life of the eminent scientist Marie Curie. Recognized for her revolutionary discoveries about radioactivity, she received two Nobel Prizes in different fields, one in physics and the other in chemistry.
In the feature film, we follow Marie Curie’s early years as a student until her discovery of the radioactive elements polonium and radium. In addition to her scientific achievements, the production explores the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male scientific academy and her genius, which made her one of the most important scientists in history.
4. Cargill’s Lieutenant (2020)
The film tells the story of Gunjan Saxena, the first female pilot in the Indian Air Force, during the Kargil War in 1999. Despite resistance from her mother and brother, who preferred her to devote herself to domestic chores, Gunjan found support in her father and persisted in her military dream. Facing challenges in a predominantly male environment, she became a landmark in history.
5. Nyad (2023)
The movie portrays the real-life story of Diana Nyad, played by Annette Bening. At the age of 60, she defies the odds by completing a 161 km crossing, swimming from Cuba to Florida in 53 hours. With the support of her best friend, Bonnie Stoll, played by Jodie Foster, and a team of 35 dedicated collaborators, Nyad braves waters infested with poisonous jellyfish and sharks. Her journey is a testament to resilience and overcoming, challenging those who doubted her capabilities.
