LOS ANGELES — Suzu Productions is premiering its digital documentary series "Facets" today, on International Women's Day. "Facets" is about groundbreaking women who have carved unique life paths for themselves.
"Pursuing a creative career with no traditional way to succeed can be terrifying," said director Yoko Okumura. "As a writer/director, this is a daily reality. And I genuinely wanted to know how the badass women I admire worked through their own adversities and pushed past self-doubt to build a creative life for themselves."
Creators Okumura and Laura Noxon originally conceived the idea of the series the week they graduated from the American Film Institute Conservatory. Determined to self-generate creative and singular careers for themselves, they wondered how other women had found success on roads less traveled. They then set off on a journey to meet these women, hear their stories, and share them with the world.
The series showcases the lives of Kelly Shibari, Hannah Fraser, Lacey Baker, Courtney Cruz, Raven Fraser, and Lindsay Kay Hayward.
"From an activist mermaid to a pioneer porn star, a defiant skateboarder to the world's tallest actress, be inspired by their stories of living an untethered life," a product description said.
International Women's Day, originally called International Working Women's Day, is celebrated on Mar. 8 every year. In different regions, the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation, and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political, and social achievements. International Women's Day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.
"It's our goal as filmmakers to inspire young girls and women to follow their dreams, no matter what stands in their way," Noxon said. "We're celebrating International Women's Day with our effort to encourage positive role models and supportive environments for ladies across the world."
All six episodes of "Facets" released today can be viewed on Suzu Productions' website, SuzuProd.com, or on Suzu Productions' YouTube channel.
Suzu Productions is an independent media company that develops and produces stories with distinctive points of view for film, television, and digital media.
Suzu Productions can be followed on Twitter @SuzuProd.
Noxon can be followed on Twitter @noxonator.
Okumura can be followed on Twitter @yokinator.