Ten feminist films for lockdown
Lockdown doesn’t mean we have to stop sharing heritage. Here’s a guide to films about women activists to watch and learn from at home.
It’s testament to the increasing awareness of women’s history, and specifically women’s radical history, that a list of ten feminist films is so easily put together. With schools closed, and the curriculum out the window, it’s also a chance to inject some historical diversity into your children’s learning, without having to leave the sofa.
Harriet
Charting the incredible true story of Harriet Tubman, who brought hundreds of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. This story maybe more familiar with US audiences, but essential viewing for everyone to understand the impact of colonialism and the slave trade.
Frida
Her activism is often overlooked, but Frida was a true radical. Her ideas about femininity and disability were way ahead of their time, laying the ground for the women’s liberation movement a generation later.
Erin Brockovich
The film staring Julia Roberts is 20 years old now, but still relevant today. Based on the true story of a single mother with little formal legal training, who took on Pacific Gas and Electric in court when she discovered they were poisoning the city’s water supply.
Suffragette
While not historically accurate (particularly regarding class divides within the suffragette movement) it is a highly enjoyable movie. Perfect for introducing new audiences to the subject. Get some popcorn and settle down with your teenage children for some history home learning.
Made in Dagenham
In 1968, a group of working class women went on strike at the Ford factory in Dagenham. They were machinists, stitching upholstery, work that was graded below that of men’s. In what would become a landmark labour relations dispute, their fight heralded the 1970 Equal Pay Act.
On the Basis of Sex
Inspired by the real life story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, as she attempts to overturn a century’s worth of gender discrimination in the US Supreme Court.
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days
Sophie Scholl was the German student, who with her brother Hans, formed the White Rose Movement in Munich in 1943. This anti-war group distributed anti-Nazi literature in an attempt to ignite a student revolt. One of the most inspiring female figures in modern European history, whose influence is still felt heavily in Germany today.
Misbehaviour
Based on the real life protest by women’s liberation activists at the 1970 Miss World competition. The film only spent four days in cinemas before lockdown, but is due for early digital release via On Demand platforms. Jo Robinson from Walthamstow was one of the women at the original protest. She features in our Women Activists of East London project, due itself for a digital re-release later this month. Sign up to our mailing list for more information: http://herfootsteps.org.uk/
She’s beautiful when she’s angry
A documentary about the women’s liberation movement in the US from the late 60s through to the mid 70s.
Moana
Although Moana is not based on real events, the film made history in its portrayal of women. Not only was Moana drawn radically different from any other Disney Princess, she fought, sailed and swam as good as any of the male characters. Clearly this was a response to the fourth wave feminist movement, where parents were no longer happy for their children to be constantly blasted with helplessness female stereotypes. Once you have watched Moana, and sung along to all the songs, look up Te Puea Herangi, a real life Maori princess who championed the rights of her people, opposed conscription during WW1 (sheltering conscientious objectors), and challenged stereotypes about women and sexuality. Check out this podcast on her fascinating life.
There are lots more films about radical women I could have added. Maybe share your favourites in the comments.
