RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT
The Aspen Institute Arts Program presented a pre-release screening and panel discussion of the acclaimed documentary RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT. Director Mariem Pérez Riera and Co-Producer Ilia Vélez joined the conversation moderated by Aspen Institute Arts Program Executive Director Erika Mallin. Presented in partnership with Aspen Film as part of the 2021 Eisner/Lauder New Views Documentaries and Dialogue Series.
Over a 70+ year career, Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become a celebrated and beloved actor, one of the rare EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award Winners of our time. RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT illuminates the humor and the grace of Moreno, as well as lesser-known struggles faced on her path to stardom, including pernicious Hollywood sexism and abuse, a toxic relationship with Marlon Brando, and serious depression a year before she emerged an Oscar winner. Moreno’s talent and resilience triumphed over adversity, as she broke barriers, fought for representation and forged the path for new generations of artists.
The Aspen Institute Arts Program and Aspen Film presented a line-up of acclaimed documentaries for the 2021 Eisner/Lauder New Views Documentaries & Dialogue Series: MY NAME IS PAULI MURRAY, RITA MORENO: JUST A GIRL WHO DECIDED TO GO FOR IT, and LFG.
This year’s series of films tell the stories of trailblazers fighting for representation and gender equity. The stories and life’s work of Pauli Murray, Rita Moreno and the members of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team come together in this series to illustrate the past, present and future of the fight for gender equity in every aspect of American society—from education to law, the arts to business, and sports to the pervasive gender wage gap. These films raise up the voices and stories of landmark litigation, breaking down barriers, triumphant success and the persistence and courage that move us towards a more just and equitable society. The series will be held virtually and will include post-screening conversations with the filmmakers. For more about the full Series visit our webpage.
New Views is generously sponsored by Jane and Michael Eisner and Leonard Lauder.
