Some listeners may be activated by this episode, which contains some references to sexual assault.

This episode of Girls On Film is a special on the powerful documentary feature, Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power, by director Nina Menkes. This film taps into so many important subjects relating to film and feminism. It has the power to open eyes, and change the way we think and shoot films.

Anna Smith talked to Nina Menkes at a special preview screening held on 9 May 2023 by Girls On Film in association with BFI Distribution.

Nina talks about the way in which the all-pervasive male gaze in filmmaking. Most films depict the man as an active subject, and the woman as a passive, fragmented object. She describes how this works, and the effect it has on our wider culture and on the behaviours of women and men.

She also explains why queer cinema may be able to challenge this cinematic vocabulary more than others, and she talks about the responses she has had to the film, from audiences and film critics alike.

Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power is in UK cinemas now.

The BFI has scheduled a special season of Nina Menkes’ films, entitled CINEMATIC SORCERESS: THE FILMS OF NINA MENKES. It’s at the BFI Southbank from 6 to 31 May 2023

Other films discussed:

Blade RunnerThe Cabbage FairyJeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 BruxellesMetropolisPortrait of a Lady On FireVagabond

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Brought to you by Executive Producer: Hedda ArchboldAudio editor: Benjamin CookAssistant Producer: Eleanor HardyPrincipal Partners Vanessa Smith and Peter BrewerHouse band: MX TyrantsThis episode is in partnership with Vanessa Smith and Peter Brewer.