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Logline

In a time when women of influence were rare, Fern Mallis established New York City as a major fashion capital, elevating American designers around the world. This film raises questions about feminine power, and challenges the notion that women become invisible as they age. Through intimate discussions and rare archival imagery we delve into Mallis’ journey with her family of friends, including some of the world’s top designers. Through them we experience the value of longevity, resilience and community in the cutthroat world of fashion.

Synopsis

In many ways, Mallis’ story is the story of New York itself – how it evolved through the late 20th century and influenced style across the world.

Mallis has dedicated her life to elevating American style. She was the mastermind of New York Fashion Week, received FIT’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and served as Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. She is widely credited as having transformed New York City into an international fashion capital.

This film interweaves two narrative threads. The first will consist of present day verité scenes. We are with Fern through a constant urban swirl as book author, fashion consultant, public speaker, TV personality and live show host to name a few of her many pursuits. We also capture her in private moments as she traces her own evolution as influencer, visionary and powerhouse, drawing us into a life that embodies the spirit of her cosmopolitan city.

The second thread explores Fern’s journey from her early days as a fashion enthusiast in the 1960s to key moments throughout her career and life that define who she is today. Utilizing extensive personal archival imagery and home movies, we chronicle her journey during 70s peak disco culture in The Pines, Fire Island through the heyday of New York nightlife at Studio 54 and beyond. We capture the story of how all this came crashing down with the AIDS crisis in the 1980s that so profoundly impacted Fern and her inner circle of artists, designers and free thinkers.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Marilyn Agrelo – Director
Marilyn Agrelo is an award-winning New York-based director and producer. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005), Marilyn’s directorial debut, enjoyed a theatrical run of over 24 weeks and was short-listed for Best Documentary Feature at the 2006 Academy Awards. Marilyn’s latest film, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street (2021) had its world premiere at Sundance and won an Emmy in 2022 for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.

Marilyn’s feature film debut was An Invisible Sign, shot in the fall/winter of 2009 and released by IFC Films. She has directed numerous commercials and branded content films that have aired around the world, and several projects for television and new media, including the Emmy-winning children’s series Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and Apple TV’s The Helpsters. A Cuban-American raised in New York, Marilyn’s background and immigrant identity shaped an early awareness of social themes she continues to explore through her work.

Emma Ratliff – Producer
As a Producer for HGTV’s House Hunters International, Ratliff traveled the world to tell stories that helped HGTV become one of the most-watched cable networks in America. Her production team worked with the Emmy award winning Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. Ratliff’s work on the “Massachusetts” episode was cited by Bourdain as one of his most important – focused on drug addiction and the public health crisis.

As the City Desk Editor for the Boston Herald, Ratliff’s team earned 2 industry awards for coverage excellence and breaking news. As an Assignment Editor for FOX 25 News in Boston, she had a front-row seat to Barack Obama’s speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Ratliff began her career as Production Assistant for Investigative Reports and MSNBC Investigates.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.