Rowdy Girl

A former Texas cattle rancher transforms her husband's beef operation into a sanctuary when she is no longer willing to be part of animal agriculture. Inspired by thousands of inquiries from others looking to also leave the industry, she realizes her true calling: to help farmers to go plant-based and end their business of animal agriculture. Rowdy Girl— a debut documentary feature from Cornell alum Jason Goldman ‘03—showcases the inspiring work of Renee King-Sonen, who has lived on both sides, and proves that there is a common ground between farmers and vegans: a shared mission of compassion and sustainability.

Director Jason Goldman ‘03 and colorist Greg Reese ‘02 will join for a post-screening conversation. 

Cosponsored by the Department of Performing & Media Arts

Film website: https://www.rowdygirlfilm.com

About the filmmakers

Jason Goldman ’03 has been a New Yorker for 20 years, starting his filmmaking career with acclaimed documentarian Albert Maysles where he learned the foundation of direct cinema. Applying his experience to both short and long form projects, his producing career has included worldwide ad campaigns, short documentaries, and feature length original films. Most recently, Jason turned to directing in completing his first feature, Rowdy Girl, which premiered at the Hot Docs Film Festival in 2023 and will have a theatrical release in 2024. In 2018, he produced Sidelined, the first short documentary financed and distributed by A&E IndieFilms which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. He is currently in production on his second feature as a director about an Atlanta-based environmental activist, her wide-ranging efforts to fight environmental racism and stop construction of the largest police training facility in America: Cop City. In addition, he is producing The Boy Next Door about Provincetown Massachusetts, the queerest small town in America, which defied fears and stigma to become a haven of hope for those afflicted with AIDS during the 1980s epidemic.

Gregory Reese ’02 is an award winning colorist in Los Angeles, CA.  He began his career in post as a runner at The Mill in New York city in 2005 where he was first introduced to the craft of color grading. His work includes global ad campaigns, narrative and documentary features and shorts, music videos, and art installations.

Rowdy Girl (trailer) from Jason Goldman on Vimeo.