"There ain't no lady magicians."
SYNOPSIS
At a very young age, Addison Ellery fell in love with magic. From upper-class Victorian England to the slums of New York City, Addison trekked across the pond to pursue a career in show business. After many failed attempts of making it on her own, she met Olivia Albini who admired Addison’s resilience and has become her biggest (and only) fan.
In this short 15 min. film, we see Addison struggling with how to overcome her biggest obstacle in the 1890s – being a woman. After being rejected by theater after theater, because “There ain’t no lady magicians,” Addison decides to don a new persona, The Amazing Ace. With coattails and a dedicated assistant at her side, Addison sets out to defy the odds and prove that there are, in fact, lady magicians.
Credits
Written by Kathy DiStefano
Directed by Stacey Maltin
Produced by Rose and Pearl Entertainment
In Association with Besties Make Movies
SNEAK PEEK
A Note from the Writer
"Magic has a woman problem." - Margaret Steele, Magician and Magic Historian
This is for all the girls who were told they could not do something because of their gender.
When I was a child, I was fascinated with magic. However, just like Addison. I never saw a female in a magician's hat so I instantly assumed that I had to play the role of assistant. My brother and I would put on magic shows for our family, and although I played a key role in performing the tricks, I allowed him to have the title of "Magician." I, like many young women, allowed society to dictate what a woman's role should be, even as I discovered my love of the film industry. I attended film classes and immediately dropped out because I was the only girl in them and was made to feel like I didn't belong.
One day, after a visit to The Magic Castle, I went on a search for female magicians. To my surprise, the results were limited. If I wanted to see a woman perform magic, I'd have to watch "Charmed" or any of the other vast entertainment options of witchcraft. This is the only kind of magic women seem to be known to perform. Disappointed at my results, I decided to research the history of female magicians. That's when I found the story of Adelaide Hermann, the "Queen of Magic." Her story inspired me to write a story of a woman who isn't afraid to overcome the obstacles of being in a male-dominated world and profession. I want women to see what it looks like to break the mold, even at a time when it was gravely unheard of.
For all the girls who were told they couldn't or simply shouldn't - I hope this story inspires not only a trend of female magicians but female empowerment in all fields that may still seem dominated by men. I hope girls will continue to create magic in all areas that seem impossible.
- Kathy DiStefano
