The twelfth edition of the almost-venerable Tribeca Film Festival wrapped up last week, and left the impression women filmmakers figured higher than ever. Is this the signal of a paradigm shift? And yet, contrary to what many believe women have stood peering into a viewfinder ever since silent-film era actress/director Mabel Normand yelled “Action” to Charlie Chaplin on the Keystone lot ("Silent film star deserved")

If charming were a category at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, “The Pretty One” would be at the top of its list. The fact that the film could attain that term after overcoming an early, tragic event vital to the film's plot is a testament to the performances within. Any one genre is difficult to explore but “The Pretty One” manages to incorporate several. According to the film’s director, AFI graduate Jenee LaMarque, who