‘Lilly’: The Inspiring Story Behind the Fight for Equal Pay” – Playing exclusively at The Terrace Theater 

By Mark A. Leon

When Rachel Feldman and Patricia Clarkson came together to tell the story of one of the most influential women of the late 20th and 21st centuries, the stars aligned.

Take a writer/director who has spent much of her career as an activist supporting equal opportunities for women both in front of and behind the camera, and an actress who was raised by a Louisiana city councilwoman and has taken on some of the most dramatic roles in film and television in recent decades, and you have a power duo capable of thoughtfully delivering the story of Lilly Ledbetter to the masses.

Who is Lilly Ledbetter?

Lilly Ledbetter may be the most important woman in the movement to support equal pay and opportunities, yet most Americans do not know her by name. This film aims to change that.

The new film ‘Lilly’, co-written and directed by Rachel Feldman and starring Patricia Clarkson, will entertain, but its greater purpose is to bring awareness to and celebrate the life, struggles, and ultimate achievements of Lilly Ledbetter, the namesake of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama.

Why is this film important for all ages?

‘Lilly’ is a film about family, courage, perseverance, and strength, and its story has both a small and large impact on every adult living in the United States. 

With a beautiful backdrop of rural small-town Alabama, ‘Lilly’ tells the remarkable story of a woman who fought for a better quality of life for her family by working hard in a male-dominated industry, while still holding her head high. In the end, she became a voice of hope in Washington, D.C., defending all working women.

There are life lessons we can extract from ‘Lilly’ that will continue the conversation and create a foundation for our youth to learn from. Lilly Ledbetter came from humble roots without any ambitious goals to become the voice of a generation, but her life’s journey had a greater purpose.

We are thankful to Rachel Feldman, Patricia Clarkson, and a wonderful supporting cast including John Benjamin Hickey, Thomas Sadoski, and Josh McDermitt, who built the narrative and gave a legacy to a deserving pioneer for equality.

How do I see the film?

On Friday, May 9, 2025, theaters in Charleston, SC, and around the nation will premiere ‘Lilly’, telling the story of a 30+ year journey in pursuit of fairness, equality, and purpose.

The movie will premiere exclusively in the Charleston area at the Terrace Theater on Maybank Highway (James Island) beginning Friday, May 9, 2025.

Watch Trailer

Photo Credit: Lilly the Movie