Get ready to laugh and cringe with Chelsea Peretti’s directorial debut, First Time Female Filmmaker. Premiering at the Tribeca Festival, this film is a hilarious and brutally honest portrayal of the challenges women face in any career, especially in the theater industry. Sam, played by Peretti herself, takes over as director at the Regis Theater in Glendale, California, but quickly realizes that it’s not as easy as she thought. With a cast that includes Amy Poehler, Andy Richter, and many more, Sam struggles to gain their respect and salvage the show when they quit.
Peretti’s comedic genius shines through in this film, with knee-slapping moments and a supporting cast that delivers their characters with seasoned professionalism. However, the film’s 97-minute runtime occasionally feels stretched due to the amount of ideas it tries to balance. Nonetheless, it captures the manic nature of the theater world and adds another layer to the film’s chaotic charm.
First Time Female Filmmaker is a messy, challenging, insightful, bleak, and painfully funny examination of women in entertainment. It’s a significant addition to the comedy genre and sets the stage for Peretti’s promising directorial career. Don’t miss out on this must-see film that will leave you both entertained and enlightened.
