“Hatshepsut” @ Cinemark Playa Vista

Screening Photos by Maria Martin

1. Kelsey Scott as Hatshepsut

2. The filmmakers at a Q&A after the screening

3. A packed audience at Playa Vista Cinemark

4. Producer/actor Terence Bernie Hines (right) speaking with guests

5. The cast of “Hatshepsut” in a photo from the film

6. (left to right) Cassandre Ursu, director Sonia Machado-Hines, Adrian Ursu, Ingrid Rogers

Local filmmakers and Egyptian enthusiasts gathered on June 10 for a private screening of the short film “Hatshepsut” at the Cinemark Playa Vista. Starring Kelsey Scott and Terence Bernie Hines, the story is inspired by the real female Egyptian pharaoh, born in 1507 BCE, who dressed as a man and wore a false beard. The film’s director, Playa Vista resident Sonia Machado-Hines, says she was attracted to Hatshepsut’s story because “she was a badass woman choosing to operate in a man’s world on her own terms.” She also hopes Hatshepsut’s success as a leader will inspire other women to, “stand up and be recognized.” The screening was followed by a Q&A with the cast and filmmakers, who then celebrated at a reception at neighboring Urban Plates. If you’re interested in seeing the film, it will be showing at the Laemmle in Santa Monica the week of Sept. 13.   

— Shanee Edwards