The New Woman: Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky

The New York World called it “the most extraordinary journey ever undertaken by a woman” and said it marked the birth of “the new woman”—independent, dynamic, and free. But for over a century, the extraordinary story of Annie “Londonderry” Kopchovsky has remained practically unknown – until now.

Gillian K. Willman’s new film The New Woman: Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky, is the Grand Jury Award winner at the 4th Annual Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival in Massachusetts on May 20th. The short film chronicles how this 23-year-old Jewish immigrant and mother of three changed the world for women by climbing aboard a 42-pound bicycle and setting off from the tenements of Boston to circle the globe. Annie’s journey was more than one of miles — she left in full skirts as a nineteenth century housewife and returned in bloomers as a celebrated (and controversial) heroine of a new era.

The New Woman: Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky is just one of almost a dozen short films at the Festival, a benefit for the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition. Housed at the historic Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA, the event includes also a social hour with a delicious Cookie Showcase from local bakeries and a Great Jersey Giveaway raffle to outfit attendees for their next ride. One lucky attendee will win a free spot on a Ciclismo Classico “more miles for less” tour, a $2,600 value! Ciclismo Classico has partnered up with Adventure Cycling Association in 2013 to feature the winning entries of the latter’s first-ever Bike Travel Video Contest.

The Festival is a production of Ciclismo Classico, a community-minded Arlington company that has been a leader in active bicycle vacations since 1988. Ciclismo Classico C.E.B. (Chief Executive Biker) Lauren Hefferon says, “Since our start 25 years ago, we’ve always been very involved with the local community. From our annual holiday ‘Jingle Ride’ to the Bike Travel Film Festival, we welcome the opportunity to promote active lifestyles and get people dreaming about their next adventure.” Through the proceeds from these events, Ciclismo Classico has donated thousands of dollars to Massbike and other local charities.

Watch the trailer for The New Woman: Annie 'Londonderry' Kopchovsky on Vimeo.

For tickets and more information, please visit http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/filmfest.

Photo by Gillian K. Willman

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