Catherine Hardwicke is an iconic American filmmaker  best known for capturing the reality of the teenage experience on screen - from Twilight to Lords of Dogtown.  

Today we're reflecting on the cultural impact of Catherine's directorial debut "Thirteen" -- which was released over twenty years ago in 2003.  

Co-written with Nikki Reed,  "Thirteen" is a poignant and raw portrayal of adolescence, focusing on the turbulent life of a thirteen-year-old girl named Tracy. The film delves into Tracy's descent into rebellion and self-destructive behavior after she befriends a troubled peer, exploring themes of peer pressure, family dysfunction, and the search for identity in the midst of adolescence. 

In this episode we discuss: 

• The cultural impact of "Thirteen" 
• Depicting mental health, self-harm, and girlhood on screen 
• Euphoria 
• Advice for aspiring filmmakers 

You can follow Catherine on Instagram @catherinehardwicke to keep up with her
newest projects.

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Host: Adwoa Aboah 

Guest: Catherine Hardwicke 

Executive Producer: Gurls Talk, Inc. 

Producer: Wicked Child Studio 

Producer: Hailey Rovner Malach 

Production Assistant: Ginger Roberts 

Editor: Morgan Muse 

Composer: Mikey Long