Women Behind the Camera

Alexis Krasilovsky has made an important and entertaining film, chronicling the lives and careers of camera women all over the globe. The broad international scope is what I found most interesting about the film, and to see the parallels and differences of the different cultures and countries. At times humorous, touching, maddening and inspirational, this film should be of interest to anyone interested in film-making, as well as anyone interested in equality, and/or labor issues. Krasilovsky does a good job of presenting the subject in universal terms understandable to an industry outsider, and broadens the subject to be accessible by all.

Rare clips of the numerous subjects' work and wonderful behind the scenes footage of powerful women at work are cut well with sensitive interviews of women of all ages opening up about some of the challenges they've faced. This film does not shy away from Hollywood's dirty little secrets or skirt the issues addressed. The risks of indiscretion can be deadly to a freelancer's career, and I commend these women for baring their souls to us. I also commend Krasilovsky for creating an outlet for their messages.

Yet this film doesn't wallow in self-pity or try to present an agenda. It's more of an introduction to dozens of accomplished artists and journalists and their collective and individual stories. I see this film as an inspirational collection of triumphs that motivates the viewer to further explore the work of these incredible women.

Luckily for those of us desiring more, Krasilovsky has a previously published book of the same name, as well as a vast website to accompany the film. I look forward to seeing the 2 disc DVD set with additional interviews, as well as the upcoming second edition of the book.

As one of those who are the last to leave the theatre after a movie, I sit and watch all the credits, looking for names of women, as well as those of different cultures. Rarely do I see a woman's name in the director of photography, but this film shows we've been steadily breaking in.

It is a fascinating celebration of that struggle. And it's not just about US women, though that history would be exciting in itself. But discovering women filmmakers from Afghanistan to México, seeing a woman document Mao's regular trips to the Chinese countryside to be with the peasants, meeting a woman in India who became a cinematographer after first seeing pictures moving "in a box," seeing women cover wars, hearing one woman's unique way of stopping sexual harassment - this is a well-rounded and remarkably universal study.