Funny Ladies Take Over Sundance!

It’s long been agreed that women hold a valuable place in the comedy world.  Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Ellen Degeneres – they have all disproved the ignorant comment that women could not be funny (hint, hint, Jerry Lewis, you’re a douche).  Still, the comedy world sees a strikingly disproportionate ratio of men to women.  Why?  Many people argue that women just don’t pursue comedy.  And to that, we say — Get yo asses out there, ladies!

More and more opportunities are opening up for women writers. Cult-favorite NBC show, Community, currently staffs and equal amount of men to women.  Shows like Showtime’s Nurse Jackie and The Big C both have female show runners.  The road may be a little more foreign for women, but it can definitely be done.  And that’s why we are extra excited to see women dominating the comedy realm of the upcoming 2012 Sundance Film Festival.


This January, funny ladies across the world (such as Rashida Jones, Julie Delpy, and Lizzie Olsen) will showcase their comedy chops for the Sundance audience.  But wait — it gets better!  Not only are many of these comedies starring women, a large portion were written or directed by a woman.  Can we get a “Hell yeah!”  Read on for the deets on all these awesome projects screening at the “Premieres” portion of the festival.


Bachelorette – Written and Directed by Leslye Headland.  Starring Kristen Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan.


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Playwright and former writer on the short-lived FX series, Terriers, Leslye Headland adapted her hit play, Bachelorette, to a screenplay of the same name.  FunnyorDie.com creators, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, produced the film.  The story centers around four high school friends who are reunited by the wedding of one of the girls.  You can expect a deep, but funny twist on issues like revenge, alcoholism, and bad relationships.


Celeste and Jesse Forever – Co-Written by Rashida Jones.  Starring Rashida Jones, Ari Graynor, Emma Roberts.

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This romantic comedy, also starring funny man Andy Samberg, depicts the relationship of Celeste and Jesse, from their meeting in high school to eventual divorce.  Jones described it as “the version of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ 20 years later … It’s really about how you break up with someone.”  Jones co-wrote the screenplay, along with actor Will McCormack.

For a Good Time, Call… – Written by Lauren Anne Miller, Katie Anne Naylon.  Starring Lauren Anne Miller, Ari Graynor.

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This film centers around the lives of two new roommates (Miller and Graynor).  When one loses a boyfriend and needs a place to stay, the two join forces to create an interesting business: a phone sex line.  This one is sure to have the funnies, and boasts a supporting cast of Justin Long, Mark Webber, and James Wolk.

Liberal Arts – Starring Lizzie Olsen.

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While this film stars and is written and directed by, How I Met Your Mother actor, Josh Radnor, it features a leading performance by up and comer Lizzie Olsen.  While many know her as the cult follower in Martha Marcy May Marlene, she busts out her funny bone in this romantic comedy about an older man falling for a college student.  It also stars Allison Janney and Richard Jenkins.

2 Days in New York – Starring and Written/Directed by Julie Delpy.

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This film is a sequel to her 2 Days in Paris.  In this comedy, Delpy’s family comes to visit her and her child after she moves to New York.  The mix of personality and familial issues is sure to bring a comedic heaven.  And if the plot weren’t enough to reel you in, Chris Rock stars as her boyfriend.

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About the author

Comediva intern Ansley Rix is an actress, writer, and musician currently residing in Los Angeles. She loves that commercial with the bird singing "Take On Me" and hates when people don't add the "ly" to adverbs. Follow her on twitter @RixieStix.

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