In person Q&A with Director Pratibha Parmar in collaboration with Birds Eye View
Best Documentary Feature Nominee, Best Director Nominee
Content Warning: Descriptions of rape
Introducing us to one of the most controversial figures of the 20th century, Andrea Dworkin called out the pervasiveness of sexism and rape culture decades before #MeToo. The film focuses on key moments from the life of this fearless fighter who demanded that women be seen as fully human.
Born in 1946, Andrea Dworkin is best known for her work criticising pornography, sexism and the patriarchy, nearly three decades before the #MeToo movement began. Standing as Parmar’s seventeenth documentary to date, My Name Is Andrea focuses not only on the unapologetic and revolutionary campaign work that became the bedrock for future movements, but also on the challenges and betrayals experienced by Dworkin herself.
Told in a series of acted scenes, cut-outs from interviews, and lecture recordings, Parmar makes full use of Dworkin’s formidable body of work; the documentary is narrated entirely through her own spoken or written words. Whether from clippings from late-night show appearances, or extracts from her novels and essays, we do not only hear Dworkin’s words, but are – crucially – shown them. Using a group of actresses to portray Dworkin at different ages and in different situations not only serves as a visual marker of the breadth of experienced faced by the writer, but also emphasises the universality of Dworkin’s struggles; she is, and her work fights for, all women.
Mentored by Allen Ginsberg and alumni of Bennington College, Dworkin stands among the titans of 20th century literary history. Parmar’s intimate feature showcases the determination and perseverance of one of feminism’s most notorious figures.
Bryony Chellew
This film contains references to underage sexual assault, domestic violence and rape. Viewer discretion advised.
