In an industry famously inhospitable to women, Agnès Varda has been quietly and consistently surpassing expectations, for more than five decades. This is our guide to the legendary Godmother of French New Wave cinema.
Riefenstahl’s portrayal of the 1934 Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg, Triumph of the Will exemplifies propaganda filmmaking. It is vital to watch Leni Riefenstahl’s work for the Nazis to be reminded of the power of filmmakers, especially in these uncertain days.
On New Year’s Eve, six friends get together and reflect on their lives, and the bigger issues in the world. Auld Lang Syne is a nice addition to the small collection of films written, directed, and shot by women.
There is a story with immense emotional depth within Toni Erdmann, but the movie is so frequently dull, when the moments of comedy arrive they can feel somewhat cynical.
Almayer’s Folly is deeply artistic and clearly rooted in Ackerman’s vision, but unfortunately due to a lack of characterization, it’s hard to sympathize with any of the characters.
The brave Rwandan women and the inspiring conclusion of The Uncondemned make it a heartbreaking, human, and empowering watch, and it reveals an important part of forgotten history.