Cynthia Bemis Abrams sits down with Oscar-nominated documentary director Julie Cohen to explore her career in network TV journalism and filmmaking. The conversation covers Cohen’s path to power as a storyteller, highlighting her work on films about Pauli Murray, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Julia Child.
Cohen shares insights into her acclaimed projects, including:
- RBG (2018), the documentary about Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, which gained widespread recognition.
- My Name is Pauli Murray (2021), the film on the groundbreaking but lesser-known civil rights activist and attorney.
- Every Body (2023), a documentary about the intersex rights movement and personal narratives.
The episode also highlights Julia Child’s pioneering influence on television and women’s roles in professional kitchens. Cohen discusses Child’s legacy as a feminist figure and the impact of her political activism, particularly regarding reproductive rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Julie Cohen actively promotes her latest documentary, The Path Forward (2024).
The Power of Storytelling in Documentaries
- Why she chose to spotlight Pauli Murray, RBG, and Julia Child
- Challenges in structuring historical narratives into compelling film stories
- Overcoming obstacles in starting and funding documentary projects
Julia Child’s Television Legacy
- How Julia Child revolutionized TV cooking shows
- The impact of her work on modern food media figures like Martha Stewart, Ina Garten, and Rachael Ray
- Her hidden activism and why her political legacy is often overlooked
- The feminist undertones in Child’s career and influence on women in professional kitchens
Behind the Scenes of Every Body (2023)
- How Cohen approached the intersex rights movement in her documentary
- Personal stories shared in the film and their broader significance
Julie Cohen's Films:
To book a screening of A Path Forward : https://grasshopperfilm.com/(grasshopperfilm.com) . By Spring 2025, it will be available on paid streaming channels, including Apple+.
