Feminine Energy in Film: Insights from the Palm Springs International Film Festival

During the 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, directors Chloé Zhao and Mona Fastvold, along with actress Amanda Seyfried, discussed the significance of feminine energy in their respective films, “Hamnet” and “The Testament of Ann Lee.” Both films explore powerful narratives centered around female experiences, showcasing the directors' commitment to portraying women's stories through a unique lens.

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Chloé Zhao, known for her empathetic storytelling, initially hesitated to adapt Maggie O’Farrell’s novel “Hamnet,” which delves into the emotional aftermath of the death of William Shakespeare’s son. Zhao's decision to take on the project was influenced by a serendipitous meeting with actor Paul Mescal, who encouraged her to read the book. Upon doing so, she envisioned actress Jesse Buckley as Agnes, Shakespeare's wife. Buckley’s involvement not only enhanced the film but also led to collaborative rewrites of the script's ending, culminating in a poignant scene that emphasizes collective grief.

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Zhao articulated her belief that vulnerability and emotional connection are vital to creativity, stating, “Sometimes we’re made to be ashamed of the part of ourselves that seeks connection... that is the life force.” This perspective aligns with her approach to filmmaking, where empathy serves as a driving force.

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Mona Fastvold's film, “The Testament of Ann Lee,” tells the story of the 18th-century figure who founded the Shakers, a religious movement advocating for gender equality. Fastvold embraces her identity as a “female director,” expressing pride in telling feminist stories. She emphasized the importance of a feminine consciousness in leadership, which she believes fosters interdependence rather than dominance.

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Fastvold faced challenges in directing her first musical, a genre she felt was essential for capturing the Shakers' worship practices. Seyfried, who plays Ann Lee, highlighted the demanding choreography based on historical depictions, noting that the process brought her closer to the character. “Once we were all moving in unison, it just takes you to another place,” she remarked.

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Both directors emphasized the nurturing qualities of female leadership in their creative processes. Seyfried described Fastvold as “very nurturing,” attributing the positive atmosphere on set to her approach. Fastvold echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to highlight an overlooked historical figure, stating, “There are so many wonderful, exciting, important female historical figures that are overlooked.”

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While both films received praise for their unique perspectives, there remains a broader conversation about the representation of women in film. Zhao noted that only nine women directed among the top 100 grossing films in 2025, indicating a disparity in the industry that challenges the acceptance of feminine storytelling approaches.

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• “I’m not sure.” — Chloé Zhao, reflecting on her initial response to adapting "Hamnet."

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• “I will take it. I will be a ‘female director,’ and tell feminist stories about women. I’m very proud of it.” — Mona Fastvold.

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• “As challenging as it was for me to memorize those moves, once I got there, I felt closer to Ann Lee and once we were all moving in unison, it just takes you to another place,” — Amanda Seyfried on embodying Ann Lee.

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Through their films, Zhao and Fastvold are not only telling compelling stories but also advocating for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to filmmaking, highlighting the importance of feminine energy in the arts.

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