Nevertheless, there is one large and formidable bastion that has yet to acquiesce to our demand for visibility. Hollywood is still caught up in the male fantasy of the nubile twenty-something-year-old paired with the aging and oh-so-commanding hero. Yes, there have been some cracks in the movie moguls’ glass ceiling. There are shows like “Cougar Town” (starring an actress in her mid forties) and a smattering of older actresses do appear on the small screen. But, if it weren’t for Meryl Streep, Diane Keaton, and Helen Mirren, we’d be hard pressed to find many wrinkles gracing the faces of female leads on the silver screen.

As distressing as this might be, just like Dylan sang way back when, “the times they are a-changin’.” And we owe much of this change to one feisty group of actresses who decided to take matters into their own hands. Led by Debbie Zipp, the ladies from In the Trenches Productions are in the business of reflection. They are reflecting the faces of gals over fifty back at us—not the botoxed, pulled back, waxen-like super Hollywood variety—real faces with laugh lines, crinkles, and age spots.

Their films run the gamut from touching to informative to hilarious. I have several favorites but my all time #1 is “Believe It Baby!” Be sure and stop by their amazing site and take some time to view the incredible films they offer. They’re all free (a true public service and a cause each of us will want to support). I promise you’ll come away from the experience entertained, renewed, and empowered—the furthest thing from feeling invisible.

Debbie and her colleagues are true heroines in my book. They’ve started a grass roots movement to take on tinsel town and, step-by-step, film-by-film, they’re succeeding in putting our faces front and center. So movie moguls—beware! We older gals are on the move and there’s a lot of heat to be generated by a group of menopausal broads on a mission. In fact, I think I can smell your tinsel melting already. Go get ‘em, Debbie!

Like Debbie, I want to see a woman with a wrinkle or two grace the silver screen. Let’s watch our heroine search around and wonder where she left her bifocals. Let’s hear her grunt when she gets up, moan about her aching back, and then go on to conquer the world as only those blessed with menopausal zest and old broad chutzpah can do!

Thankfully, Debbie isn’t waiting around for those wet-behind-the-ears producers to realize we boomers are a huge audience  (they don’t call us the population bulge for nothing) who’ve been underserved for years. She and her friends have created a slew of short films that will have you laughing in recognition at the fun and foibles of growing older. One of my favorites is their “Dirty Little Secret.” Watch it and see if you if you relate!

And for a great read that also covers the land of movies and moguls, be sure and check out Jane Adams’ fabulous new novel, Sugar Time. The heroine, Sugar Kane, epitomizes the feisty side of fifty in all her aging glory. After an absence of 20 years, she’s about to bring in a hit TV show but has to battle the Hollywood machine that’s alive and well behind the camera, too. Aside from that, Sugar deals with issues we all face as older women and does it with humor, sass, and a decidedly sexy side we never see in novels about women our age. Listen to our interview and you’ll hear Jane tell you all about her saucy heroine and her amazing story.

Through the creative efforts of Debbie, Jane, and others, the word is finally getting out. At long last, Hollywood, take notice! We gals over fifty are flashing hot, more outspoken than ever before, and we want our due. And we’re more than 38 million strong. So, you sleepy heads in La La Land—the alarm is ringing and it’s about time you wake up and smell the Geritol!

The short films you’ll find there will grab you in ways no others can, because they’re reflections of the fun and foibles of growing older. You’ll see your own face looking back at you: a few lines, a few grey hairs, and a sense of confidence and zest for life you can only achieve at midlife. Some of the films are serious, but most are old broad bawdiness at its best. (Menopause must beef up the funny bone because we gals are letting it all hang out like never before!)

It’s hard to pick my favorites but I must make special mention of “Debbie’s Hair,” “Living Large on Less” and “Girl Tox.” They each had me laughing so hard I needed to run to the cupboard for a fresh pair of Depends! “Believe it Baby!” had tears of joy, recognition, and laughter running down my cheeks simultaneously. Check them out for yourselves and you’ll see what I mean.

In true female fashion, Debbie and her friends are adding even more to the site: they’re making it a welcoming showcase for others. In the “Films By You!” section, you’ll find more classic gems that share tips, stories, or just plain fun.

I had a blast interviewing Debbie on Feisty Side of Fifty Radio. She shared her epiphany at five years old, her early acting experiences, and her reasons behind creating In the Trenches Productions. So take a listen to a woman with warmth, humor, courage, and drive. Debbie and her friends are taking on the big boys in Hollywood and I’m betting my money on them!