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Directors Emphasize Female Empowerment at Palm Springs Festival

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Chloé Zhao, director of Hamnet, and Mona Fastvold, director of The Testament of Ann Lee, spoke at the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival about feminine energy.
Zhao said she initially hesitated to adapt Hamnet, which explores loss's impact on Shakespeare.
Fastvold said she is proud to direct The Testament of Ann Lee, a historical musical about the Shaker founder, Ann Lee.
Both emphasize empathy and female leadership in storytelling.

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Story summary

Chloé Zhao, director of Hamnet, and Mona Fastvold, director of The Testament of Ann Lee, spoke at the 37th Palm Springs International Film Festival about feminine energy.
Zhao said she initially hesitated to adapt Hamnet, which explores loss's impact on Shakespeare.
Fastvold said she is proud to direct The Testament of Ann Lee, a historical musical about the Shaker founder, Ann Lee.
Both emphasize empathy and female leadership in storytelling.