Without a Whisper 2020
Distributed by Women Make Movies, 115 W. 29th Street, Suite 1200,New York, NY, 10001; 212-925-0606
Produced by Katja Esson
Directed by Katsitsionni Fox
Streaming, 27 mins
High School - General Adult
Native Peoples; Women’s Rights
Date Entered: 10/13/2021
Reviewed by Lara Fountaine, Community Engagement and Visitor Relations Librarian, NC State University LibrariesWithout a Whisper is a short documentary that explores the untold history of indigenous women's role in the beginning of the women’s rights movement. It explains how before the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, European colonial women were aware of the Haudenosaunee women and the political and spiritual authority they had in their communities. It argues that this inspired the women’s rights movement.
This film is a great introduction to the beginning of the women’s rights movement and provides wonderful insight into the matriarchal structure of the Haudenosaunee people. It does well with incorporating animated features in with live footage in a way that complements the story. The only issue I had with this documentary was that it was too short. I finished it eager to learn more about the influences of the Haudenosaunee women on the women’s rights movement.
Without a Whisper is highly recommended for anyone in high school up to general adults. It would be a great feature in any women’s studies, indigenous studies, or history class.
Awards: Winner, Best Short Film, Female Voices Rock Film Festival; Best Documentary Short, Red Nation International Film Festival; 2nd Runner Up, Documentary Short, Woods Hole Film Festival; Honorable Mention, Documentary Short, Roxbury International Film Festival
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