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https://www.themarysue.com/20-years-of-fantastic-fest-women-brandy-fons/
Fantastic Fest would not be what it is without the women behind the scenes. So today, on her birthday, we’re celebrating the amazing Brandy Fons! You probably know her from her iconic hats and nail designs but she’s also an integral part of the festival.
Fons is one of the brains behind Fons PR, the PR company that does a lot of work for Fantastic Fest. She’s fun, bubbly, and if you’ve seen talent at Fantastic Fest getting ushered from place to place, Fons is probably in the middle of leading them there. But speaking from personal experience, Fons is what makes festivals like this so special.
Fantastic Fest would not be what it is without the women behind the scenes. So today, on her birthday, we’re celebrating the amazing Brandy Fons! You probably know her from her iconic hats and nail designs but she’s also an integral part of the festival.
Fons is one of the brains behind Fons PR, the PR company that does a lot of work for Fantastic Fest. She’s fun, bubbly, and if you’ve seen talent at Fantastic Fest getting ushered from place to place, Fons is probably in the middle of leading them there. But speaking from personal experience, Fons is what makes festivals like this so special.
When Nia DaCosta burst onto the scene with Little Woods and later carved space for herself in the MCU with The Marvels, there was always a sense that her most personal work was yet to come. With Hedda, her bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, that promise has arrived in full force. Premiering at TIFF 2025 before landing in theaters this October and Prime Video later in the month, Hedda is a lush, volatile, and unapologetically queer rendering of one of literature’s most infamous women. It’s more than an an adaptation, it’s a reclamation.
In this version DaCosta transforms the timeline of Ibsen’s play, written in 1891, a staple of the theatrical canon. The story now unfolds in 1954 England, inside a house dripping with Dior-inspired couture and postwar opulence. The setting is precise and decadent, but it is also suffocating. Hedda (played with breathtaking control by Tessa Thompson) moves through the rooms of her marital home like a caged predator, dressed to perfection but restless to the bone.
DaCosta sharpens the narrative by reframing the central relationships. Eilert Lövborg, once a male rival, becomes Eileen, a woman and Hedda’s former lover, played with quiet gravity by Nina Hoss. Alongside Thea Clifton (Imogen Poots), Hedda’s old school friend, the triangle becomes an electric collision of desire, rivalry, and repression. This shift is not just cosmetic. By centering the film on three women, DaCosta makes visible what has always lingered under Ibsen’s text: the way patriarchal structures trap women into contorting their loves, ambitions, and identities.
What makes DaCosta’s take so compelling is her refusal to soften Hedda. Tessa Thompson’s performance resists any temptation to render her sympathetic. This Hedda is unforgiveable and undefendable, yet mesmerizing. Thompson’s Hedda weaponizes her intelligence, manipulates her friends, and thrives on destruction, all while simmering with a queer longing that gives new resonance to her choices. Watching her is both thrilling and terrifying,a reminder that not all female-centered stories must produce likable heroines to be worth telling. However, the film unfortunately has some shortcomings in presenting Hedda’s backstory to it’s audience. Hedda can be vindictive, mean-spirited and lack sympathy for others. Why she inhibits these traits we don’t fully know.
We know she’s in a loveless marriage and we do know her former lover is with another and she’s lives with a broken heart, but it doesn’t quite measure up and account for the kind of cruelty she displaces on others. There was some emotional decay in Hedda’s character I would have liked to see developed a bit more on screen and it we never captured those moments.
Visually, Hedda is stunning. Sean Bobbitt’s cinematography traps characters in gilded frames, turning every dinner party and cocktail toast into a battlefield of glances and barbs. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir provides a score that creeps under the skin, layering the film’s glamour with menace. The music informs the tension in every scene as well giving murder-mystery vibes.
What’s most striking about Hedda is how queer desire is woven into its DNA without being treated as spectacle. Hedda’s longing for Eileen, her coded repression, and her weaponization of intimacy all feel organic to the era DaCosta has chosen. This isn’t a wink to modern audiences. It’s a genuine recontextualization that allows the themes of love, power, and autonomy to resonate anew.
DaCosta has often spoken about waiting until she felt “unbound” as a filmmaker to tackle Hedda, and that patience shows. This is a film unafraid of contradiction, uninterested in easy answers, and more than willing to let audiences wrestle with its jagged morality.
Hedda is not comfort cinema. It doesn’t ask us to forgive its protagonist, nor does it offer neat resolutions. What it delivers instead is something far more potent: a portrait of a woman who burns down her own world rather than conform to it. In Tessa Thompson’s hands, Hedda is volatile, glamorous, and unrelentingly human.
DaCosta’s adaptation will likely divide audiences. Some will balk at Hedda’s cruelty or the film’s refusal to tidy up her mess. But for those willing to sit in the discomfort, Hedda is a revelation. It’s a reminder that classic texts aren’t meant to be embalmed. They’re meant to be reawakened, reshaped, and challenged.
With Hedda, DaCosta cements herself as one of the most daring storytellers of her generation. She takes a 19th-century tragedy, drenches it in mid-century glamour, queers its heart, and delivers a film that feels both timeless and utterly of this moment.
Hedda make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival
The post TIFF 2025 Review: Nia DaCosta and Tessa Thompson Reignite Ibsen’s Classic With Queer Ferocity in ‘Hedda’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.
As another school year rolls around, families are gearing up for one last opportunity to bond and chill. Before the kids jump back into academic mode, some parents are on a quest for family-friendly vacation fun or thrilling adventures or simply a desire to disconnect from the daily grind. If you are seeking out destinations that promise a blend of family entertainment and rich cultural immersion, here are a few spots that are suitable for families to explore before the school year kicks off.
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard provides a mix of relaxation and cultural richness for families to enjoy, like its beaches, historical sites, bike trails, and lighthouses. The island has a cultural legacy and has served as a cherished summer retreat for countless Black families over the years, particularly in the Oak Bluffs area. It has been a destination spot for African Americans since the 1900s, where individuals could buy property and vacation without restrictions during the era of segregation. Martha’s Vineyard remains a hub that draws people year-round and during the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
The charming Hilton Head Island in South Carolina boasts a mix of beaches perfect for water activities and relaxation by the oceanfront, along with opportunities to golf and explore nature. Rich in Gullah Geechee heritage and history, the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head has guided tours for all ages that blend education with enjoyable experiences. Families can indulge in dolphin watching tours or cycling adventures, too.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a place where culture and learning blend, from the museums and monuments to the rich history of African Americans. Washington, D.C., is a city renowned for its budget-friendly sights, including the complimentary Smithsonian museums that offer enriching experiences for all ages. The National Museum of African American History and Culture offers a unique opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the rich history and artifacts of Black Americans.
New Orleans, Louisiana
In New Orleans, Louisiana, families can enjoy a mix of music, Creole dishes, historic districts, swamp expeditions, and museums. This city is known for its focus on immersion adventures and culinary discoveries. Besides its nightlife scene, New Orleans also prides itself on being a family-friendly environment. Its ties to African American heritage can be traced back to Congo Square and the origins of jazz. If you have a passion for history or music, or you’re just looking for an experience in New Orleans, hop on one of the streetcars for a journey or dive into the intriguing displays at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Families can even set sail on a steamboat for a majestic cruise along the grand Mississippi River.
Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
In the Smoky Mountains lie Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Destinations known for their cozy cabins and peaceful mountain escapes are ideal for families seeking quality time amid a natural backdrop. These breathtaking spots feature a variety of attractions, like the Great Smoky Mountains and the popular Dollywood theme park, as well as intriguing museums and quaint cabins that cater to both nature lovers craving peace and thrill seekers in search of adventure. Whether you enjoy views, crave pop adventures, or plan a family getaway, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a wide range of activities to suit everyone’s preferences.
San Diego, California
San Diego boasts a mix of family-friendly beaches and top-notch attractions. The kids can enjoy Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. While in town, visit Black-owned hubs, such as the WorldBeat Cultural Center, which offers both educational and enjoyable experiences for families across generations.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is rich with culture. Whether the family is into exploring history or indulging in its eats and treats, Chicago has it all. The city’s roots are deeply rooted in the Great Migration influence, as seen in its music scenes. The family can check out Chicago’s Millennium Park, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum to learn and discover together. Take an architectural boat tour. Unwind at the beaches by Lake Michigan.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto, Canada, is a city that offers a lively experience for travelers from around the world. The city boasts a scene with museums and festivals, along with safe public transportation options. Black families can immerse themselves in Toronto’s thriving art and Caribbean and African food and culture scene. Annual events, like Caribana, draw crowds of tourists each year, highlighting the city’s celebration of diversity.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia, offers a mix of family-friendly events related to the civil rights movement. Many attractions showcase Black achievements and Southern charm. The city of Atlanta has long been a symbol of excellence, dating back several decades, with its civil rights leaders. There’s history and cultural importance exemplified by renowned historically Black colleges like Clark-Atlanta, Morris Brown, Spelman, and Morehouse, which are landmarks of Black excellence. Attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola are sure to captivate children’s attention, while the King Center offers an experience for families to explore together. If you want a dive into history and culture in Atlanta with the kids, a visit to the National Center for Human Rights is a must, along with Hammond’s House Museum and Auburn Research Library.
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