For two years, filmmaker Maria Finitzo followed five strong young women between the ages of 13 and 17. Unlike the myriad reports, books and "specials" that focus on young women as passive and powerless, 5 Girls explores the ways these girls discover the resources necessary to successfully navigate the rocky waters of adolescence. It focuses on the positive ways girls learn to adapt to challenge in their lives by understanding and exercising choices, by believing in their strength when others do not and by resisting powerful cultural messages, which urge them to be silent.
120 minutes
Screen Mag profiles Kartemquin producer
May 20, 2009
Kartemquin's Maria Finitzo discusses her latest and upcoming projects in this Screen Magazine online feature.
- Executive Producer
- Gordon Quinn
- Co-Executive Producer
- Jerry Blumenthal
- Director
- Maria Finitzo
"This ambitious documentary offers moving, detailed portraits of five young women."
—Ron Wertneimer, The New York Times
Broadcast nationally on P.O.V.
Council on Foundations Film and Video Festival 2002 – Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Film & Digital Media
The Silver Award from The Chicago Film & Television Competition
Outstanding Achievement from the Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media