Women Laughing

A forthcoming documentary

The times we live in now are not particularly funny, although from a certain angle they could be. I try to mix up the serious and the humorous in my drawings and writing because not only is it easier to take the tough stuff when it’s delivered with a humorous spin, it can be more effective. I want to tell you about a documentary project I am developing that also combines these elements, called Women Laughing. Laughter makes us feel better.

I have been studying women cartoonists for a few decades, and have found they are as diverse as any group of creators. They create all types of cartoons—overtly political, and slice-of-life. Cartoons tell us so much about who we are as creators and as a society. Since we have historically not heard from women creators, they bring new ideas, new experiences and new funny. They help us see differently.

I find this fascinating. I want more people to see and hear these women’s stories—those from the past and the present. When I wrote my book, Very Funny Ladies, I discovered there were women cartoonists in the 1920’s in the very first issue of The New Yorker magazine! There weren’t many at all in comparison to their male counterparts, but they were there. Now the numbers are equal.

It’s not just about the numbers, it’s also about what they said and drew in their very funny drawings. They showed us their lives, and still do. I am currently producing and directing a documentary about the women cartoonists of The New Yorker called Women Laughing. I am thrilled to tell you about it.

Today the Women Laughing Team launched a kickstarter to help fund the documentary, we are very excited! For the film, which we will begin shooting this summer, I will be working with Kathleen Hughes, a three time Emmy-award winning filmmaker, whose most recent films include THE AMERICAN DREAM AND OTHER FAIRY TALES with Abigail Disney, and TWO AMERICAN FAMILIES with Bill Moyers, as well as with producer Judith Mizrachy whose recent films include the BOOKSELLERS, UNCROPPED, and the Oscar-nominated THE MARTHA MITCHELL EFFECT. Combined, our team has deep knowledge and passion for telling these women's stories.

In honor of the women creators, I live-drew some women laughing this afternoon, the video is below. Each of these drawings I do over the course of the kickstarter will be available for purchase, I will set up a way for you to do that. But you can also donate to the kickstarter and get drawings, gifs, portraits of you, you and your dog (or just your dog, or your cat, or bird or friend or spouse…), books, and more as a reward for your generous donation.

Thank you for your support here! And I hope you will consider joining us in helping to bring these women’s stories to the screen.

See you tomorrow!