Hollywood Minute: Movies on groundbreaking women

Two compelling new projects shine a spotlight on extraordinary individuals whose contributions have left lasting legacies in medicine and music.

(CNN)-  In Audrey’s Children, Natalie Dormer portrays Dr. Audrey Evans, a pioneering figure in pediatric cancer care. Dr. Evans transformed the treatment of neuroblastoma through her innovative staging system, which tailors treatment to each individual child. Her work revolutionized cancer care, ensuring that children received personalized treatment. Dormer’s portrayal highlights Dr. Evans’ impact, both in the medical community and beyond. Dr. Evans also co-founded Ronald McDonald House Charities, offering a place for families to stay while their children undergo medical treatment. “It sounds like hyperbole when I talk about her, but it really is that straightforward, that she completely changed the game,” Dormer said of the groundbreaking doctor.

In Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, the legendary singer-songwriter Janis Ian shares her personal and professional journey. The documentary chronicles Ian’s rise to fame with hits like “Society’s Child,” “Stars,” and “At Seventeen,” while also delving into her struggles and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Ian reflects on her life in the public eye, acknowledging the oddity of seeing her story on the big screen. “Music is about telling stories. This is mine,” she says, providing an intimate look into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her career.