WXF May 2024 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF’s Milena Warns Selected for NFL’s Women in Sports Filmmaking Experienceship 

Milena Warns from our team was selected to the highly competitive Women in Sports Filmmaking Experienceship, a training program designed to inspire and develop female talent in cinematography🎥 , sound capture🎙️ , and other aspects of production🎞️ . The two-day boot camp introduced us to an amazing cohort of fellow passionate female filmmakers and prepared us for future projects. 

WXF Attending International Documentary Association 

Getting Real Conference 

Representing the WXF team, Wei Dai attended International Documentary Association’s biennial conference on non-fiction content, Getting Real. This year, the event was held in Los Angeles and featured speakers from production companies, distributors, industry research organizations, and many more sectors of the industry. Meeting fellow filmmakers is the favorite part of our job and always inspiring! 🤝 

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How the Climate Crisis Fuels Gender Inequality 

By: CNN Special Report 

Climate change catalyzes existing injustices, magnifying their impact. Women and girls, who already contend with gender inequality, face intensified challenges when extreme weather events ravage communities. According to the UN, inequalities worsen as a result of these weather events: incidents of intimate partner violence escalate; girls are withdrawn from school, early marriages of daughters increase; and women and girls displaced from their homes confront elevated risks of sexual  exploitation and trafficking. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

According to estimates from the Brookings Institution, for each additional year a girl attends school, her country’s resilience to climate disasters may increase by 3.2 points on an index measuring vulnerability to climate-related disasters. 

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Notable Historical Individual Born in March

Nellie Bly 

Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, also known as Nellie Bly, was an acclaimed American journalist born May 5, 1864. She gained widespread recognition for her groundbreaking journey around the world in just 72 days, mirroring the exploits of Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg. Additionally, she made headlines with her undercover investigation of an abusive mental institution, exposing its inner workings to the public. Nellie Bly’s contributions marked her as a trailblazer in investigative journalism, setting new professional standards. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

In 1887, Nellie Bly rose to prominence as a journalist, achieving star status through her daring undercover investigation at a New York City mental health asylum. Her courageous exposé in the New York World revealed the appalling conditions within the institution, sparking widespread awareness about mental health treatment and catalyzing reforms in institutional practices. Bly’s reporting also heralded the dawn of investigative journalism. 

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Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 


Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF April 2024 Newsletter

WXF Updates

UNMUTED Featured on Realscreen’s “MIPTV Picks” List; WXF Attending MIPTV Market in Cannes 

We are very excited to announce that our docuseries UNMUTED was selected to be on Realscreen’s annual “MIPTV Picks” list. 🎉🎉🎉 Each year, Realscreen highlights a group of non-fiction projects that will be at the MIPTV market in Cannes that people shouldn’t miss out on. 

(Check out more about UNMUTED and the entire MIPTV Picks list here.) 

Our executive producer, Charlotte, and producer, Milena, attended MIPTV, a content market in the beautiful Cannes that provides diverse content and facilitates networking among industry professionals from over 100 countries. We met with a lot of co-production partners and networks and discussed our slate of projects. 

WXF Attending Mount Saint Mary’s University event on The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California 

WXF team’s Charlotte, Milena, and the director of our Stolen Sister project, Valerie, attended the annual public event on The Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California. For the 13th year of the Report, Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles hosted the event at the Skirball Cultural Center, gathering over 500 thought leaders to foster conversation and inspire action to address inequalities and gender gaps in our state. Read the full report here

WXF Speaking at the Women in Media, Entertainment & Technology Panel 

The WICT (Women in Media, Entertainment & Technology) Network is an organization dedicated to empowering women leaders who light the way for others and create a lasting legacy of diversity, equity and inclusion. Recently, it hosted a panel featuring our docuseries UNMUTED, and our executive producer Charlotte, producer Milena, and showrunner Dena were invited to the panel to speak about their experiences creating the show. Thank you to all who attended!

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In A First, West African Country Moves Toward Ending Ban on Female Genital Cutting 

By: Rachel Chason 

Gambia’s National Assembly voted to advance a bill overturning the ban on female genital cutting, sparking global concern. Lawmakers claim it’s about upholding cultural and religious rights. Gambia’s move could set a dangerous precedent, as FGM affects millions worldwide. Despite efforts to educate, some still support FGM, believing it controls women’s desires. Personal debates within families reveal generational divides on the issue. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

The United Nations reports that approximately 75% of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in Gambia have undergone genital cutting, often referred to as female genital mutilation (FGM). Globally, over 200 million women and girls are believed to have survived this practice, which may involve the removal of parts of the clitoris and labia minora, and in extreme cases, the closure of the vaginal opening. Medical professionals emphasize that these procedures lack medical benefits and can result in various short- and long-term consequences, such as infections, intense pain, and infertility. 

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Notable Historical Individual Born in April

Maya Angelou 

Maya Angelou, born April 4, 1928, as Marguerite Johnson, was a celebrated 

American poet, storyteller, activist, and autobiographer. Her diverse career included singing, dancing, acting, composing, and directing, making her Hollywood’s first female black director. However, her remarkable talent as a writer, editor, essayist, playwright, and poet brought her widespread acclaim. Angelou was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, collaborating with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. She also made significant contributions to education as the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Angelou served on presidential committees for Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. She received the National Medal of Arts from President Bill Clinton in 2000 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2010. She earned over 50 honorary degrees throughout her life, leaving behind a lasting legacy of inspiration and influence. 

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Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 


Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF March 2024 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF @ Women In Entertainment Summit 

As proud members of Women In Entertainment, we attended the 7th annual Women In Entertainment Summit at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center on February 28th. The event brought together forward-thinkers from all areas of the entertainment industry to explore a variety of topics that greatly impact women, from human rights and women’s leadership to diversity of storytelling across platforms and empowering the next generation of women to emerge as creative powerhouses

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California Legislators Hear about Rejected Requests and Needed Changes for Year-Old Feather Alert MMIP System 

By: ELYSE WILD 

When Taralyn Ipina’s sister went missing in San Francisco last year, local law enforcement refused to issue an alert under California’s new Feather Alert system, launched in 2023, to aid in finding her sister. They deemed it didn’t meet the system’s criteria. Although her sister was eventually found alive, the rejection added to the complexity of an already difficult situation for Ipina. Recently, Ipina testified before California’s Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs on the effectiveness of the Feather Alert. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Stats show that Indigenous women are being murdered at a rate ten times the national average, despite Indigenous women comprising only 2% of the total population in the United States. Homicide is the leading cause of death for Indigenous women ages 10-24 and the fifth leading cause of death for Indigenous women 25-34. While the Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates there are 4,200 unsolved MMIP cases, the actual number is likely higher as there is no accurate count of how many Indigenous women go missing or are murdered annually. 

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Notable Historical Individual Born in March

Susanna M. Salter 

We honor Susanna Madora Salter, born on March 2, 1860, in Lamira, Ohio, who achieved renown as the inaugural woman to be elected mayor in the United States, a pivotal moment in American political history. After graduating from Kansas State Agricultural College, Salter’s unanticipated nomination as the Prohibition candidate for mayor in Argonia, Kansas, propelled her to a groundbreaking triumph in 1887. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

During her time in office, Salter showcased exceptional leadership, steadfastly tackling sanitation, public health, and infrastructure matters. Her election broke down barriers, motivating women nationwide to seek political positions and pushing for societal change. Despite encountering challenges, Salter’s dedication to equality and fairness established a lasting impact, influencing the trajectory of women’s rights in the United States. 

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Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF February 2024 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF @ Realscreen Summit in New Orleans 

Our team recently attended the 2024 Realscreen Summit, the largest and most respected global conference for unscripted and non-fiction content, in New Orleans. The team met with top industry executives to discuss our current and future projects. 

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“Clothes were in pieces,” witness describes the scene of a chemical attack

By: Kristy Tamashiro 

Danying Zhang, 25, is the newest victim in a string of acid attacks in Hawaii. On January 21st, the incident happened outside an Ala Moana gym around 9:15 p.m. Danying suffered third-degree burns and life-threatening injuries after these attacks. We are currently in post-production with our episode on acid violence in our docuseries UNMUTED, featuring several survivors around the world. We work with many organizations to bring awareness and resources to this problem with growing global occurrences. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Acid violence involves a deliberate attack by throwing corrosive acid onto an individual’s face and body, aiming to disfigure, torture, or even kill the victim. The impact is severe, as the acid penetrates the flesh, often reaching the bone, leading to lifelong impact. Beyond the physical consequences, survivors endure profound psychological trauma, frequently experiencing depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. 

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Notable Historical Individual Born in Febraury

Rosa Parks

We honor Rosa Parks as our Historical Person of the Month this February. Born on February 4th, 1913, Parks became an icon of the civil rights movement through her courageous act of defiance on a Montgomery bus in 1955. Her refusal to give up her seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and catalyzed the civil rights movement in the United States. Parks’ steadfast determination and commitment to justice continues to inspire generations worldwide. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

The civil rights movement heavily influenced the decolonization movements in Africa and Asia. Specifically, Indian, Ghanaian, and Nigerian people found inspiration from the United States civil rights movement, demanding social justice, political representation, and de-occupation in the late 50s. The cross-cultural exchange of ideas between the US civil rights movement in Africa and Asia exemplifies global efforts for social justice and equality due to the acts of civil rights leaders such as Rosa Parks. 

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Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF January 2024 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF Welcomes Spring 2024 Interns 

We are excited to have two new interns join our team at WXF for their spring semester! Griffin Yarmaloff from Loyola Marymount University (left pic) and Mia Blom from Emerson College (right pic) will be helping with all aspects of our projects. 

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Notable Historical Individual Born in January

By: Debra Michals 

Alice Paul, a leading figure in the 20th-century women’s suffrage movement, was born on January 11th, 1885, in New Jersey. She played a vital role in securing the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, granting women the right to vote. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, Paul co-founded the National Woman’s Party and employed protests and pickets for suffrage. Despite arrests and harsh treatment, her efforts gained President Wilson’s support for suffrage, leading to the amendment’s passage. Throughout her life, Alice Paul remained a dedicated champion for women’s rights and gender equality. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

After the passing of the 19th Amendment, Alice Paul co-wrote the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), proposing another constitutional amendment designed to guarantee legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex. The ERA failed to be ratified by enough states before its legislative deadline, so Alice Paul didn’t get to see the ERA become part of the Constitution before she passed away. However, she laid foundation for many legislations that later passed. 

Washington State House Unaimously Passes Bills Banning Child Marriage 

Washington State Legislature 

The 2024 Washington State Legislative session began on January 9th, and the House quickly passed House Bill 1455, which aims to ban child marriage. The bill passed unanimously with a vote of 98-0 in the House and is now awaiting approval from the Senate. Currently, children under 18 can marry in Washington with parental consent or approval from a judge. The existing law leaves children without legal recourse if they encounter problems in their marriages, making this bill crucial for protecting them from potentially abusive or dangerous situations. 

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DID YOU KNOW

If the Bill goes into effect in the state of Washington, it will make Washington the 11th state to ban child marriage. Nearly 300,000 children were legally married in the U.S. between 2000 and 2018, according to a study by Unchained At Last, a nonprofit organization that advocates against child marriage (see our Non-Profit Nook for more info on Unchained At Last!). 

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Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF Dec 2023 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF @ Impact + Profit Conference 

Our team attended the Impact + Profit Conference hosted by the Social Impact Entertainment Society at the Skirball Cultural Center. We attended dozens of panels featuring impact experts and filmmakers from all over the world. It was a great experience for us and we learned a lot about global impact strategies. 

Valerie Red-Horse Mohl @ NCAI 

Valerie Red-Horse Mohl, the director of our Stolen Sisters feature documentary, sat in on a conference on the NCAI Task Force on Violence Against Women, which advocates for public safety programs in Indian country. The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is one of the oldest representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization. 

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Women Faculty Feel ‘pushed’ From Academia By Poor Workplace Climate 

By: Christie Wilcox 

A new study reveals a significant gender gap in faculty retention, with female professors being 19% more likely to leave academia compared to their male counterparts. Workplace experiences, including feeling undervalued and disrespected, play a huge role in pushing faculty to leave academia. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive and supportive academic environments. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Research shows an underrepresentation of women in different areas of higher education, with biases and stereotypes stalling their involvement in science-related fields and academic careers. These gaps show how there is a need for further investigation into studies on gender bias and inequalities in access to academic roles and management positions within universities. 

Hospitals Are Increasingly Crowded With Kids Who Tried To Harm Themselves, Study Finds 

By: Ellen Berry 

A new study reveals a significant gender gap in faculty retention, with female professors being 19% more likely to leave academia compared to their male counterparts. The study shows that increasing numbers of women in early-career stages does not guarantee future equity. Workplace experiences, including feeling undervalued and disrespected, play a huge role in pushing faculty to leave academia.

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DID YOU KNOW 

Self-harm often emerges as a coping mechanism to deal with the pressure of distressing thoughts and emotions. Early support is crucial for children and young individuals engaging in self-harm. Introducing alternative coping strategies can be key to breaking the cycle and fostering healthier long-term emotional management.

Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!

WXF Nov 2023 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF @ AMERICAN FILM MARKET 

The American Film Market took place the week of October 31st – November 5th, and our WXF team was hard at work at this film industry event. The event is held each year in Santa Monica and more than 7,000 people attend the eight-day annual event to network and push their projects forward. Here are photos of us and some of the other industry panels we attended. 

WXF @ UTFAV TRIBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 

Our team travelled to the 2023 Tribal Leadership Summit, hosted by Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) in the beautiful Mackinac Island, to learn more about emerging issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault in Indigenous communities. We listened to thought-provoking speakers and learned relevant information about Michigan’s twelve tribal communities. Milena, one of our team members, presented on our “Stolen Sisters” documentary, and connected with organizations, Indigenous tribes, and advocates who are working firsthand on this epidemic.

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Just One Protagonist In The Top 1,600 Theatrical Films From The Last 16 Years Was Native American, Study Finds 

By: Rebecca Sun 

Hollywood is buzzing as Killers of the Flower Moon hits theaters, starring Native American actress Lily Gladstone. Its publicity raises questions of Indigenous  representation in Hollywood. Recent studies examine the representation of Native Americans in the top 1,600 films over the past 16 years, and show concerning findings. With only 133 speaking characters identified as Native American, just 99 of those roles were portrayed by Native actors. “Put simply, there is no career sustainability for Native actors in Hollywood.” AI2 founder Stacy L. Smith explains. It is important to recognize these concerning statistics and work towards a more inclusive and representative future in the entertainment industry. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Research from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reveals the distressing underrepresentation of Native American characters in movies from 2007 to 2022. With 0.25% of speaking characters being Native American, the study highlights the limited opportunities for Native actors, with only 64 individuals securing roles in the films studied. Approximately 99% of the analyzed films featured no Native American female-identified speaking characters, accentuating the erasure of Native women in Hollywood. The report underscored the urgent need for increased Native American representation on screen and behind the camera, calling for more inclusivity for Native filmmakers and actors in the entertainment industry. 

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Woman Doused With Acid Remains Hospitalized But Is Slowly Recovering

By: Jonathan Masaki 

Davina Licon, a 20-year-old survivor of a recent chemical attack in Mililani, is bravely using her story to raise awareness about domestic violence. Despite enduring severe burns over 30% of her body, Licon remains determined in her recovery, sharing her experiences to emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking support from loved ones. Her ex-boyfriend and attacker, 21-year-old Paul Cameron was indicted for second-degree attempted murder and two felony firearms charges for allegedly throwing acid on and trying to shoot his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of a Mililani gym. Her resilience and aspiration to become a physical therapist serve as an inspiration, offering hope to others facing similar challenges. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Acid violence involves a deliberate attack through throwing corrosive acid onto an individual’s face and body, aiming to disfigure, torture, or even kill the victim. The impact is severe, as the acid penetrates the flesh, often reaching the bone, leading to lifelong scarring, physical deformities, and, in extreme cases, permanent disabilities like blindness and immobility. Beyond the physical consequences, survivors endure profound psychological trauma, frequently experiencing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

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Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers.

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project! 

WXF October 2023 Newsletter

WXF Updates

WXF Team At The Film Independent Forum 

In September, our team participated in the Film Independent Forum. We met many fellow talented and passionate storytellers and watched the screening of “Frybread Face and Me” directed by Billy Luther, which brought laughter, tears, and everything in between. 👏❤️🎬 One to look out for! The producing panel was excellent and made us dive deeper into diversifying our slate. 

WXF Welcomes Fall Interns From Emerson Los Angeles 

Also in September, two wonderful interns, Tamara Hamdalla and William Whittlesey, from Emerson Los Angeles program joined WXF for their fall semester. They are both Visual Media Arts and Production majors at Emerson College. We are excited to have them on board! 

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Washington University Halts Gender Affirming Care For Minor Patients 

By: Ariel Messman-Rucker 

New anti-trans law in Missouri on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors affects communities, as two prominent institutions halt care for these youth. Dive into the legal complexities and the stark consequences of the ban on gender-affirming care for minors under 18. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Gender-affirming care consists of various healthcare services that support transgender and nonbinary individuals in their gender identity journey. Early access to this care is vital for young people, allowing them to focus on social transitions and boost their self-confidence. Research shows that gender-affirming care significantly improves the mental health and overall well-being of gender-diverse youth, who are at higher risk for suicide compared to their cisgender peers. 

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Community Marches For Equality And Accountability In Mmip Cases 

By: Liz Dempsey 

A community in Missoula, Montana, has come together in a powerful march for equality and accountability in cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). Carissa Heavy Runner, the mother of Mika Westwolf, led the charge, demanding justice for her daughter and highlighting the systemic issues that hinder proper investigations and equality in such cases. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

There is a stark disparity in media coverage between cases of non-indigenous people and those of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW). While high-profile cases often captivate the media and public’s attention, MMIW cases, disproportionately affecting Indigenous women and girls, receive minimal coverage and resources beyond local news outlets. 

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Why Child Marriage Is Legal In California — and The Unexpected Groups Fighting To Keep It That Way 

By: Mackenzie Mays 

Discover the truth about child marriage in California and the unexpected groups opposing its ban. In a state known for its progressive values and strong sexual violence protections, child marriage remains legal, and the fight to change this has taken an unexpected turn. 

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DID YOU KNOW 

Child marriage remains a legal issue in the United States, with only eight states outright banning it and California allowing it with certain conditions. Child marriage is considered a human rights abuse by the U.S. State Department and is associated with negative consequences for children, particularly girls. Despite cultural and legal challenges, advocates argue for the need to establish a minimum age for marriage in states like California to provide greater protection for children and uphold their rights, especially in the absence of federal legislation on this matter. 

Continue Reading… 

Support Independent Films

Without Exception Films is a women-led independent production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Our projects include docuseries and full-length documentaries that we develop end-to-end both in-house and through dynamic partnerships with other filmmakers. 

Making documentaries is important but costly, support us by making a tax-deductible donation to our latest project!