Hulu Debuts a Trailer for the Documentary Film “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” [VIDEO]

Co-directed by two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton and produced by Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Tracy Aftergood, Sean Stuart, Obaid-Chinoy, and Dalton, the documentary will have its world premiere as the opening night selection at the 2024 Tribeca Festival on June 5.

An unprecedented look at the non-stop life of a cultural luminary. At a time when gender equality and women’s issues are at the forefront, Diane von Furstenberg’s life exemplifies empowerment, resilience, entrepreneurship, and style. She is an inspiration to women with her unapologetic demeanor. Diane never saw herself as a victim of sexism; rather, she embraced her femininity in a strong and profound way, forging a path for her daughter and the next generation of women to follow.

Few women embody the gravitas, grace, and gusto of the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg. A citizen of the world and the child of a Holocaust survivor, her story, and its impact have uplifted people around the globe. In 1974, DVF transformed not only her destiny but also that of countless women with the introduction of the iconic “wrap dress,” a unique garment that instantly bestowed fashion and confidence upon its wearers, irrespective of their shape, background, or status.

As she approaches the eve of her retrospective exhibition, marking a 50-year distinguished career, Diane von Furstenberg contemplates her pioneering path in a male-dominated realm to erect a multi-million-dollar fashion empire – as an early visionary, and influencer, she challenged the status quo with the bold inquiry, “Why can’t a woman do what a man does?”

With resolute determination, she faced various challenges – she was a single woman balancing a career, raising two children, and bravely confronting cancer. These hurdles didn’t stop her; instead, she embraced them and they fueled her mission to inspire women everywhere to pursue their lives with equal passion and purpose and design their own lives. DVF was born to be a woman in charge. And, she was born to inspire other women to take charge of their lives.

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT:

This project presented us with a unique opportunity to share the story of a remarkable feminist icon, a woman whose pioneering spirit opened doors for her generation, and generations to come. Meeting Diane, we were taken by her fierce sense of mission to empower women leaders around the world, and her tireless efforts to reach out to women needing confidence and drive as they stand up against adversity today.

Throughout the year we spent documenting her life, Diane’s ethos of living authentically, unapologetically, and courageously fighting for justice and personal rights profoundly influenced us.

Our film seeks to encapsulate Diane’s essence and convey her motivational journey. As a daughter of a Holocaust survivor, she grew up with an understanding: to never perceive herself as a victim. She rose to exemplify the American dream, becoming an emblem of powerful femininity, while heralding her mother’s “torch of freedom” as her north star. Her confidence in her own sexuality was groundbreaking during the 1970s women’s liberation, and remains part of her legacy today.

As female filmmakers in an industry still dominated by men and as global citizens who have navigated the complexities of balancing professional and personal lives, Diane’s ability to stand in her power, and be successful in a man’s world resonated with us on a deep level. Affectionately referred to as the “oracle,” her “isms” provide guide posts for navigating the complexities of relationships, business strategy, and what to wear. She has inspired us to share her story and the empowering lessons we’ve learned from her. Her teachings are a beacon, encouraging us to stand strong, believe in ourselves, and be the architects of our own lives.

We aspire for this film to not only celebrate Diane’s remarkable life but also to ignite a sense of empowerment in women of all ages, at a time when women’s rights and freedoms are being challenged. It’s a call to embrace their innate power and live life on their own terms, as Diane von Furstenberg has so inspiringly demonstrated and championed.

– Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy & Trish Dalton

DIRECTED BY: Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton

PRODUCED BY: Fabiola Beracasa Beckman, Tracy Aftergood, Sean Stuart, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton. A Sutter Road Picture Company and Particle Projects/Fabiola Beracasa Beckman Media production.

SOCIAL: @Hulu | #DVFWomanInCharge