Lois Weber’s ‘Hypocrites' Kicks Off 3rd Annual LWFF

Arlington, MA — On March 8, 2025, the historic Capitol Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts, will come alive with the power of women’s voices at the 3rd Annual Lois Weber Film Festival.

Thanks to the generous support of its board members and a 2025 Festivals & Projects Grant from the Mass Cultural Council, the festival honors the trailblazing contributions of female filmmakers—past, present, and future—promising an unforgettable day filled with captivating screenings, engaging discussions, and inspiring celebrations.

The festival opens at 12:00 PM with a special screening of Lois Weber's groundbreaking 1915 film Hypocrites (58 mins), accompanied by live music from Jeff Rapsis. Shelley Stamp, author of Lois Weber in Early Hollywood, is this year's keynote speaker.

"I’m delighted to speak at the Lois Weber Film Festival this year,” said Stamp. “Weber was the most prolific female filmmaker in early Hollywood and a keen supporter of other women directors. She would be thrilled to know that her name honors a festival dedicated to women’s films some one hundred years later.”

Following the opening ceremony, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet and network from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with red carpet interviews by Taste Away with Katie K’s Katie Killourhy and photos taken by Melanie Rose Photography.

The festival will then continue with three distinct Film Blocks from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, each showcasing films by female filmmakers from around the world. After each screening, there will be a brief Q&A session with the filmmakers, followed by an Award Ceremony at 9:30 PM, complete with celebratory cake.

“This festival addresses a critical need for diversity in the industry,” said Festival Director Gabrielle Rosson. “The primary hurdle for female filmmakers today is financing and visibility. The Lois Weber Film Festival provides a platform for women and those who identify as women to share their stories and gain recognition. But it’s more than just that—it’s also about coming together, during Women’s History Month, to celebrate the power and impact of our voices.”

This year’s selections, representing a range of genres and backgrounds, showcase everything from thought-provoking documentaries to innovative narratives and experimental works.

American film director and Emmy Award-winning television producer Safiya Songhai’s Interception: Jayne Kennedy, American Sportscaster tells the compelling story of Jayne Kennedy, the first African-American woman to boldly challenge the entrenched racism in television sportscasting.

Another featured film, Recovery City, offers an inside look at addiction and recovery in Worcester, Massachusetts, through the eyes of those on the frontlines.

And that’s just the beginning—this year’s festival highlights a diverse array of films from all over the world, including student-made works, Boston-based productions, and internationally acclaimed films.

For more information about The 3rd Annual Lois Weber Film Festival, including the complete film lineup or to purchase tickets, visit:https://loisweberfilmfestival.org.