Watch Women Behind the Camera

Women Behind the Camera is a documentary film released in 2007 directed by Alexis Krasilovsky. It celebrates the remarkable contributions made by women cinematographers, directors, and other women working behind the camera and takes a critical look at the barriers that they have had to overcome. This film provides audiences with a rare insight into the lives and working conditions of women filmmakers in different parts of the world.

The documentary features interviews with various women filmmakers including director Gillian Armstrong, cinematographer Caroline Champetier, and producer Christine Vachon. These women share their experiences and provide valuable insight into the challenges and stereotypes women face in the film industry. The film provides a great platform for these women to share their experiences and stories that are rarely heard.

The movie is divided into four parts, each highlighting a different aspect of working behind the camera as a woman. The first part called "Visibility" explores the extent to which female talent was previously unacknowledged, despite being prevalent. This section highlights the groundbreaking work of women like Mandy Walker, who worked as a camera operator for well-known Australian films like Lantana and Moulin Rouge.

The second part, "Inspiration," showcases the work of women cinematographers like Caroline Champetier who have been inspired by leading women in the industry who have paved the way for modern cinematography. This section gives insight into the challenges that women cinematographers face, such as the assumption that they do not have the strength and stamina to carry a heavy camera, but these women have defied those stereotypes and proven they are more than capable.

The third section, "Work," focuses on women who have had to navigate the challenging and male-dominated filmmaking industry to find work, but through their tenacity and talent earned their place. This part of the movie features the inspiring stories of women like Akiko Ashizawa, who worked as an assistant director/producer for several Jean-Luc Godard films and went on to become a filmmaker in her own right.

The final section, "Power," discusses how the advent of the digital era has changed the film industry, making it more accessible than ever for women in film. This section highlights the work of young filmmakers like Michelle Crenshaw, who talks about the democratization of film and how it has allowed her to make films that reflect her experiences and values.

The movie takes a critical look at the obstacles that women face in the film industry, including sexual harassment and gender inequality, and addresses the progress that has been made thus far, as well as the work that remains. Through interviews and personal stories, the film challenges the notion that men make better filmmakers and proves that women are every bit as talented, if not more so.

Overall, Women Behind the Camera is an inspiring and informative documentary film that offers a unique perspective on the world of filmmaking. It showcases how women around the world are working creatively and contributing to the film industry while overcoming the barriers that have been created to keep them out. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in breaking down traditional gender roles and increasing representation in the media.

Women Behind the Camera is a 1970 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3.