Rare chance to see feminist classics.
Reclaim the Screens feminist film season at the Renoir, WC1N
London’s cinemagoers will have a brief chance to see famous but rarely-screened feminist films from next weekend, as the Reclaim the Screens feminist film season gets underway at Renoir cinema.
The fascinating and innovative programme, at one of London’s most famous art-house cinemas, covers two weekends. It explores themes connected to violence against women but as diverse as human trafficking, pornography and spousal abuse.
Proceedings get off to a classic start, with Lizzie Borden’s iconic futurescape Born in Flames – rarely seen today, but still notorious, and as relevant now as it was in 1983. The screening on Saturday 25th November coincides with International Day to End Violence Against Women, and is carefully timed to allow attendees to participate in London’s Reclaim the Night march and rally.
The season continues on with a packed schedule over December 2nd and 3rd, giving the opportunity to see international films as compelling, unique and varied as:
A sickening exposé of the role played by UN Peacekeepers in Bosnia’s booming sex-trafficking industry
The challenging story of a separatist lesbian group making pornography to be seen exclusively by women
An award-winning documentary, following the exploits of two wisecracking female judges, dispensing wisdom and justice in domestic violence cases in Cameroon
An exploration of the shocking relationship between pornography and violence
The inspirational tale of a radical campaign against domestic violence and abuse, started by Nicaraguan men
A powerful examination of domestic violence among ethnic minority communities
The season is organised by Scary Little Girls Productions in collaboration with London Feminist Network and all-female film distribution network Cinenova (cinenova.org.uk), and came about in response to a chance complaint from SLGP Director Rebecca Mordan to Curzon Cinemas.
“I happened to comment that the prominent screening of films such as Inside Deep Throat presented a distorted and unbalanced view of the effect of pornography upon society at large,” she explains. “Curzon Cinemas were very pro-active in their response, and I have been delighted to get involved in compiling such a genuinely interesting, varied and balanced programme.
“Sadly, violence against women is still all-too current an issue in the UK in the 21st Century. People assume things are getting better, when actually the reverse is true, and the issue is only exacerbated by the growing culture of disbelief of women who are courageous enough to speak out.
“These films are every bit as important culturally as they are gripping to watch.”
FESTIVAL LISTINGS AND SYNOPSES
All films showing at the Renoir cinema, Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AW. Box office 0870 850 6927, www.curzoncinemas.com, tickets £6.00.
Born in Flames
Saturday, 25th November, 12pm
Director: Lizzie Borden Country: USA Year: 1983 Duration: 90 mins
The season gets underway in style, with one of the most iconic feminist films of all time, scheduled to tie-in with London’s Reclaim the Night march.
New York; ten years after the most peaceful revolution the world has ever seen. However, discontent is surfacing – particularly from women’s groups – and vigilante gangs are formed to combat the rise in street violence and rape. Increased surveillance, arrests, and the death in custody of a prominent black member of the Women’s Army galvanize these groups, bringing them together achieve a common goal as events move towards their explosive climax.
Born in Flames looks like a fast-moving cross between a documentary and science fiction thriller, and uses its futuristic vision to reflect upon how sexual politics, class and race combine to effect social change in the present day.
Not a Love Story: a Film About Pornography
Saturday, 2nd December, 12pm
Director: Bonnie Sherr Klein Country: Canada Year: 1981 Duration: 70 mins
Twenty-five years after its original release, this infamous film by the mother of author Naomi Klein packs no less of a punch today than it did on its first screening.
The director joins stripper Linda Lee Tracey on an odyssey exploring the world of pornography in its many forms, to find out how it affects relations between men and women. Sexually explicit at times, this hard-hitting film offers perspectives both from men and women earning their living in the porn trade, and from some of the industry’s most outspoken critics.
Followed by…
20 Minutes (Female Fist)
Director: Kasja Dahlberg Country: Denmark Year: 2005 Duration: 20 mins
A lesbian activist speaks about a separatist pornography project, made available to women only and distributed through a trust-based relay system.
In doing so, the power structures and relationship between sexes are redefined, eliminating the possibility of abusing sexuality – and lesbianism in particular – as a commodity.
It is one example of the move to establish separatist “rooms”, enabling participants to define themselves from within, rather than through dialogue with the world. The group refuse to be defined or depicted by the media’s standards, and the film is therefore shot predominantly with the lens cap on.
Love, Honour & Disobey
Saturday, 2nd December, 2pm
Director: Saeeda Khanum Country: UK Year: 2005 Duration: 61 mins
From physical abuse to forced marriages and honour killings, domestic violence continues to be frighteningly common and accepted as “normal” in many communities – both worldwide and within the UK.
A powerful documentary, getting to the heart of current multicultural debates, Love, Honour & Disobey explores issues around domestic violence in Britain’s black and ethnic minority communities through the eyes of the Southall Black Sisters: a small group of women who have worked to combat abuse for more than 25 years.
Chilling testimony from those abused is combined with forceful analysis of the complex issues that mean women from ethnic minorities wait longer to report abuse and seek help. Policing, religious fundamentalism and the attitudes of minority communities themselves are also examined as factors continuing to endanger the lives of many women.
This important film is essential viewing for anyone seeking to further their understanding of domestic violence.
Followed by…
Macho
Director: Lucinda Broadbent Country: Scotland/Nicaragua Year 2000; 26 mins
In 1998, Latin America was shaken by a highly publicised and controversial case of sexual abuse case. Iconic Nicaraguan Sandanista leader and former president Daniel Ortega was accused on multiple charges of rape and battery by his stepdaughter, Soilamerica Narvarez.
Despite Ortega’s eventual acquittal – he was granted immunity from prosecution – a pioneering group of men rallied around the episode to start their own, radical campaign against domestic violence and sexual abuse. This deeply moving documentary charts their efforts – eventually leading to the formation of the internationally acclaimed organisation Men Against Violence.
The Peacekeepers and the Women
Sunday, 3rd December, 2pm
Director: Karin Jurschick Country: Germany Year: 2003 Duration: 80 mins
As bold as it is chilling, this award-winning documentary explores the deeply disturbing role of United Nations peacekeeping forces in perpetuating the booming sex trafficking industry in Bosnia and Kosovo.
In 1995, the United Nations set up a free trade zone in Bosnia – but instead of bringing peace and prosperity, the zone lured a thriving human trade business. Women in their hundreds from villages in Moldova, Romania and Ukraine are sold into prostitution… And most shocking of all, the affluent western peacekeepers have been among the burgeoning industry’s most solvent customers, paving the way for its expansion.
Jurschick confronts UN officials and aid workers, goes on a raid with international police and reveals the tragic stories of the trafficked women themselves as she unravels the many layers of this complicated and sickening crime scene.
Sisters in Law
Sunday, 3rd December, 4pm
By Florence Ayisi & Kim Longinotto Country: Cameroon/UK Year 2005; 104 mins
Winner of the Prix Art et Essai at the Cannes Film Festival and screened to acclaim at more than 90 festivals around the world, Sisters in Law is the latest documentary by internationally renowned director Kim Longinotto, co-directed by Florence Ayisi.
In the little town of Kumba, Cameroon, there have been no convictions in spousal abuse cases for 17 years. But two women determined to change their community are making progress that could change the world.
This fascinating and often hilarious documentary follows the work of State Prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntuba as they help women fighting difficult cases of abuse despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. Six-year-old Manka is covered in scars and has run away from an abusive aunt; Amina is seeking a divorce from her brutally abusive husband, and pre-teen Sonita has bravely accused her neighbour of rape.
With fierce compassion, the two feisty and progressive-minded women dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in equal measure – with results somewhere between Judge Judy and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Sisters in Law is a delight – and has audiences cheering when justice is served.
Reclaim the Screens feminist film season at the Renoir, WC1N
London’s cinemagoers will have a brief chance to see famous but rarely-screened feminist films from next weekend, as the Reclaim the Screens feminist film season gets underway at Renoir cinema.
The fascinating and innovative programme, at one of London’s most famous art-house cinemas, covers two weekends. It explores themes connected to violence against women but as diverse as human trafficking, pornography and spousal abuse.
Proceedings get off to a classic start, with Lizzie Borden’s iconic futurescape Born in Flames – rarely seen today, but still notorious, and as relevant now as it was in 1983. The screening on Saturday 25th November coincides with International Day to End Violence Against Women, and is carefully timed to allow attendees to participate in London’s Reclaim the Night march and rally.
The season continues on with a packed schedule over December 2nd and 3rd, giving the opportunity to see international films as compelling, unique and varied as:
A sickening exposé of the role played by UN Peacekeepers in Bosnia’s booming sex-trafficking industry
The challenging story of a separatist lesbian group making pornography to be seen exclusively by women
An award-winning documentary, following the exploits of two wisecracking female judges, dispensing wisdom and justice in domestic violence cases in Cameroon
An exploration of the shocking relationship between pornography and violence
The inspirational tale of a radical campaign against domestic violence and abuse, started by Nicaraguan men
A powerful examination of domestic violence among ethnic minority communities
The season is organised by Scary Little Girls Productions in collaboration with London Feminist Network and all-female film distribution network Cinenova (cinenova.org.uk), and came about in response to a chance complaint from SLGP Director Rebecca Mordan to Curzon Cinemas.
“I happened to comment that the prominent screening of films such as Inside Deep Throat presented a distorted and unbalanced view of the effect of pornography upon society at large,” she explains. “Curzon Cinemas were very pro-active in their response, and I have been delighted to get involved in compiling such a genuinely interesting, varied and balanced programme.
“Sadly, violence against women is still all-too current an issue in the UK in the 21st Century. People assume things are getting better, when actually the reverse is true, and the issue is only exacerbated by the growing culture of disbelief of women who are courageous enough to speak out.
“These films are every bit as important culturally as they are gripping to watch.”
FESTIVAL LISTINGS AND SYNOPSES
All films showing at the Renoir cinema, Brunswick Centre, London WC1N 1AW. Box office 0870 850 6927, www.curzoncinemas.com, tickets £6.00.
Born in Flames
Saturday, 25th November, 12pm
Director: Lizzie Borden Country: USA Year: 1983 Duration: 90 mins
The season gets underway in style, with one of the most iconic feminist films of all time, scheduled to tie-in with London’s Reclaim the Night march.
New York; ten years after the most peaceful revolution the world has ever seen. However, discontent is surfacing – particularly from women’s groups – and vigilante gangs are formed to combat the rise in street violence and rape. Increased surveillance, arrests, and the death in custody of a prominent black member of the Women’s Army galvanize these groups, bringing them together achieve a common goal as events move towards their explosive climax.
Born in Flames looks like a fast-moving cross between a documentary and science fiction thriller, and uses its futuristic vision to reflect upon how sexual politics, class and race combine to effect social change in the present day.
Not a Love Story: a Film About Pornography
Saturday, 2nd December, 12pm
Director: Bonnie Sherr Klein Country: Canada Year: 1981 Duration: 70 mins
Twenty-five years after its original release, this infamous film by the mother of author Naomi Klein packs no less of a punch today than it did on its first screening.
The director joins stripper Linda Lee Tracey on an odyssey exploring the world of pornography in its many forms, to find out how it affects relations between men and women. Sexually explicit at times, this hard-hitting film offers perspectives both from men and women earning their living in the porn trade, and from some of the industry’s most outspoken critics.
Followed by…
20 Minutes (Female Fist)
Director: Kasja Dahlberg Country: Denmark Year: 2005 Duration: 20 mins
A lesbian activist speaks about a separatist pornography project, made available to women only and distributed through a trust-based relay system.
In doing so, the power structures and relationship between sexes are redefined, eliminating the possibility of abusing sexuality – and lesbianism in particular – as a commodity.
It is one example of the move to establish separatist “rooms”, enabling participants to define themselves from within, rather than through dialogue with the world. The group refuse to be defined or depicted by the media’s standards, and the film is therefore shot predominantly with the lens cap on.
Love, Honour & Disobey
Saturday, 2nd December, 2pm
Director: Saeeda Khanum Country: UK Year: 2005 Duration: 61 mins
From physical abuse to forced marriages and honour killings, domestic violence continues to be frighteningly common and accepted as “normal” in many communities – both worldwide and within the UK.
A powerful documentary, getting to the heart of current multicultural debates, Love, Honour & Disobey explores issues around domestic violence in Britain’s black and ethnic minority communities through the eyes of the Southall Black Sisters: a small group of women who have worked to combat abuse for more than 25 years.
Chilling testimony from those abused is combined with forceful analysis of the complex issues that mean women from ethnic minorities wait longer to report abuse and seek help. Policing, religious fundamentalism and the attitudes of minority communities themselves are also examined as factors continuing to endanger the lives of many women.
This important film is essential viewing for anyone seeking to further their understanding of domestic violence.
Followed by…
Macho
Director: Lucinda Broadbent Country: Scotland/Nicaragua Year 2000; 26 mins
In 1998, Latin America was shaken by a highly publicised and controversial case of sexual abuse case. Iconic Nicaraguan Sandanista leader and former president Daniel Ortega was accused on multiple charges of rape and battery by his stepdaughter, Soilamerica Narvarez.
Despite Ortega’s eventual acquittal – he was granted immunity from prosecution – a pioneering group of men rallied around the episode to start their own, radical campaign against domestic violence and sexual abuse. This deeply moving documentary charts their efforts – eventually leading to the formation of the internationally acclaimed organisation Men Against Violence.
The Peacekeepers and the Women
Sunday, 3rd December, 2pm
Director: Karin Jurschick Country: Germany Year: 2003 Duration: 80 mins
As bold as it is chilling, this award-winning documentary explores the deeply disturbing role of United Nations peacekeeping forces in perpetuating the booming sex trafficking industry in Bosnia and Kosovo.
In 1995, the United Nations set up a free trade zone in Bosnia – but instead of bringing peace and prosperity, the zone lured a thriving human trade business. Women in their hundreds from villages in Moldova, Romania and Ukraine are sold into prostitution… And most shocking of all, the affluent western peacekeepers have been among the burgeoning industry’s most solvent customers, paving the way for its expansion.
Jurschick confronts UN officials and aid workers, goes on a raid with international police and reveals the tragic stories of the trafficked women themselves as she unravels the many layers of this complicated and sickening crime scene.
Sisters in Law
Sunday, 3rd December, 4pm
By Florence Ayisi & Kim Longinotto Country: Cameroon/UK Year 2005; 104 mins
Winner of the Prix Art et Essai at the Cannes Film Festival and screened to acclaim at more than 90 festivals around the world, Sisters in Law is the latest documentary by internationally renowned director Kim Longinotto, co-directed by Florence Ayisi.
In the little town of Kumba, Cameroon, there have been no convictions in spousal abuse cases for 17 years. But two women determined to change their community are making progress that could change the world.
This fascinating and often hilarious documentary follows the work of State Prosecutor Vera Ngassa and Court President Beatrice Ntuba as they help women fighting difficult cases of abuse despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. Six-year-old Manka is covered in scars and has run away from an abusive aunt; Amina is seeking a divorce from her brutally abusive husband, and pre-teen Sonita has bravely accused her neighbour of rape.
With fierce compassion, the two feisty and progressive-minded women dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in equal measure – with results somewhere between Judge Judy and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Sisters in Law is a delight – and has audiences cheering when justice is served.
