Fem Crit 2005 (The seven short films were produced between 1980-2002)
Distributed by Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre, 171 East Liberty St., Suite 220, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6K 1W9; 416-588-0725
Produced by Lisa Hayes, Dawn Wilkinson, Sara Halprin, Kay Armatage, Helen Lee, Lisa Morse, and Melissa Levin
Directed by Lisa Hayes, Dawn Wilkinson, Sara Halprin, Kay Armatage, Helen Lee, Lisa Morse, and Melissa Levin
DVD, color and b&, 60 min.
College
Women's Studies, Gender Studies, Film Studies
Date Entered: 02/02/2007
Reviewed by Debra Mandel, Head, Media Center, Northeastern University Libraries, Boston, MAThis DVD is the first of four in the series, Experimental Works for Educational Environments, distributed by the Canadian Filmmaker’s Distribution Center (CFDC). According to their website, Works “has been conceived of in direct response to a growing need, expressed by our educational colleagues, for 'ready made - course specific' DVD compilations and study guides at affordable rates for library purchase.” Toward that aim, Fem Crit provides a unique niche for a lively academic discussion on women’s studies.
Fem Crit, a creative and thought-provoking compilation of seven super 8 and 16mm short films, presents candid and edgy kaleidoscopes of women’s personal experiences and reflections. The talented Canadian filmmakers explore universal themes of gender identity, cultural identity, self-image, abortion and class with irony, humor, and intelligence.
In Women Are Little Men, Lisa Hayes integrates archival footage from Prelinger industrial films to provide historic context to women in the workplace. In Dandelions, Dawn Wilkinson explores her dual Canadian and black identities. In Keltie’s Beard a woman discusses her beard’s role in her family’s history. In Speakbody, Kay Armatage uses a collage of voices, faces and bodies to express the abortion experience. In Sally’s Beauty Spot, Helen Lee portrays stereotypes of Asian women’s beauty by focusing attention on an intruding mole. In Lisa Morse’s Postulations a woman obsessively picks at her skin, and in I Make Passes at Girls who Wear Glasses, Melissa Levin parades the seductive looks of women as they remove their glasses.
Ranging from only two to 15 minutes, these films showcase a range of creative narrative and filmmaking styles—useful for class discussion on women from a variety of perspectives. These films can also serve as a springboard for the production of independent film and video projects. A useful guide and bibliography accompanies this program.
Awards
- Lisa Hayes, Director of Women Are Not the Only Men won the Honorable Mention at the 1999 Ann Arbor Film Festival
- Lisa Morse, director of Postulations won the 2004 National Film Board of Canada Images Festival Award for the Best Emerging Canadian Film or Video Maker
- Helen Lee, director of Sally’s Beauty Spot won the 1991 Juror’s Award for the 1991 Black Maria Film Festival