POWER UP branches out into feature filmmaking

Lesbian film group POWER UP will produce its first feature film, the feminist comedy The Itty Bitty Titty Committee. The project centers on a woman (Melonie Diaz), who finds her purpose in life after she hooks up with a radical underground feminist group. Nicole Vicius, Carly Pope, Daniela Sea, Melanie Mayron, Jimmi Simpson, Leslie Grossman, and Guinevere Turner round out the cast. Jamie Babbit (But I'm a Cheerleader) is directing. Principal photography begins Saturday.

Since its inception four years ago, POWER UP has developed, financed, produced, and distributed short films and has awarded filmmaking grants totaling more than $1.5 million. "They are very excited about getting into the feature world, especially because there are so few lesbian features out there," said Babbit, whose credits also include the indie The Quiet. (Tatiana Siegel, Reuters)

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