Liza Donnelly has a Kickstarter for a new documentary project titled WOMEN LAUGHING, which will look at the female cartoonists who have been part of The New Yorker since 1925. Here's Liza:
The times we live in now are not funny. In my work as a writer and cartoonist, I try to mix the serious and the funny because not only is it easier to take the tough stuff when it’s delivered with humor, it can be more effective.
I am producing and directing a documentary that combines these elements. Called WOMEN LAUGHING, it's about the women cartoonists of The New Yorker, past and present. The movie shines light on what their work tells us, and how some very creative women have persevered against so many odds. And still do.
Laughter makes us feel better and it helps us see.
I have been studying women cartoonists for decades, and have found they are a diverse group. They create all types of cartoons — overtly political and slice-of-life. Cartoons tell us so much about who we are as a society and since we have historically not heard from women creators, these artists bring new ideas, new experiences and new funny. They help us see differently.
I find this fascinating. I want more people to see and hear these women’s stories — those from the past and the present. When I wrote my book in 2022, Very Funny Ladies, I discovered there were women cartoonists in the 1920’s in the very first issue of The New Yorker magazine! There weren’t many in comparison to their male counterparts, but they were there. Now the numbers are equal.
It’s not just about the numbers, it’s also about what they said and drew in their very funny drawings. They showed us their lives, and still do.
The Women Laughing Team launched a kickstarter to help fund the documentary, we are very excited! For the film, which we will begin shooting this summer, I will be working with Kathleen Hughes, a three time Emmy-award winning filmmaker, whose most recent films include THE AMERICAN DREAM AND OTHER FAIRY TALES with Abigail Disney, and TWO AMERICAN FAMILIES with Bill Moyers, as well as with producer Judith Mizrachy whose recent films include the BOOKSELLERS, UNCROPPED, and the Oscar-nominated THE MARTHA MITCHELL EFFECT. Combined, our team has deep knowledge and passion for telling these women’s stories.
We are excited to tell these women's stories, shine a light on them and what creativity can help us understand about our humanity. They make us laugh so much, but they also allow us see ourselves better.
The New Yorker is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025, and we want to premier this film next year, and celebrate these amazing women, along with the magazine that has always been a showcase for visual humor.
We hope you will join us in helping us make this film. Our crowd funding campaign is well under way, but we need your help. Consider a donation, and take a look at all our wonderful gifts. Thank you.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/womenlaughingfilm/women-laughing
Drawing below by Barbara Shermund, 1926.
WOMEN LAUGHING has (as of today) seven more days that people can contribute. This is an all-or-nothing campaign. The project must meets its $50,000 goal for it to go forward.
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