These documentaries shine a light on incredible women breaking barriers, challenging the status quo, and making a lasting impact on society. From the personal journeys of trailblazers to collective movements for justice, each of these films captures the resilience and courage of women across various fields and time periods.
Pragda
Seeds: Black Women in Power
Seeds: Black Women in Power chronicles the journeys of several Black Brazilian women who make the bold decision to enter the political arena during the tumultuous 2018 elections. The documentary offers an intimate look at these women as they face systemic racism and misogyny while fighting for representation and change within the political system.
Read our full review of Seeds: Black Women in Power.
Women Make Movies
Love, Barbara
This intimate documentary is a heartfelt tribute to the life and legacy of pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer. Directed by her partner, Florrie Burke, Love, Barbara is a touching exploration of love, art, and the lasting impact of Hammer’s bold, experimental approach to queer cinema. It celebrates her work, but also her personal courage in confronting her illness with the same radical honesty she applied to her films.
Read our full review of Love, Barbara.
Good Docs
Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest
A gripping documentary about Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the first Nepali woman to summit Mount Everest. Pasang tells the story of her unwavering determination to break gender barriers in a male-dominated mountaineering world, highlighting both her cultural significance and the personal challenges she faced in her quest to conquer the world’s highest peak.
Read our full review of Pasang: In the Shadow of Everest.
Judged Bodies
This powerful documentary sheds light on the battle for reproductive rights in El Salvador, where women face severe legal penalties for seeking abortions, even in cases of rape or medical emergencies. Judged Bodies follows the stories of women fighting for autonomy over their bodies and challenges the country's harsh abortion laws, making a compelling case for justice and reform.
Read our full review of Judged Bodies.
Video Project
Hunting in Packs Political Documentary
Hunting in Packs
Following three female politicians from the US, UK, and India, Hunting in Packs provides an inside look at the gritty, often ruthless world of political power. Each woman faces different challenges, yet the film reveals the common thread of perseverance as they navigate male-dominated environments. This compelling documentary gives viewers a rare glimpse into the strategic and emotional labor that goes into rising as a female leader.
Read our full review of Hunting in Packs.
Good Docs
Clarissa's Battle
Clarissa’s Battle follows Clarissa Doutherd, a mother and activist fighting for affordable childcare in California. This intimate and powerful documentary captures her journey as she leads a grassroots campaign to change public policy, shedding light on the intersection of motherhood, advocacy, and social justice.
Read our full review of Clarissa's Battle.
The Goddess Project
The Goddess Project
This uplifting documentary captures the stories of over 100 women across the United States, who share their journeys toward empowerment, healing, and self-discovery. The Goddess Project is a celebration of the strength and wisdom of women, offering inspiration and insight into the personal and professional lives of these remarkable individuals.
Read our full review of The Goddess Project.
EPF Media
Glory to the Queen
This fascinating documentary explores the untold stories of four Georgian chess grandmasters who dominated the global chess scene during the Cold War. Glory to the Queen delves into their personal lives, struggles, and successes, offering a unique perspective on gender, politics, and the power of intellect in a male-dominated arena.
Read our full review of Glory to the Queen.
Film Movement
Fanny: The Right To Rock
Fanny tells the incredible story of the first all-female rock band to release an album on a major label. Through interviews with the band members and rare archival footage, this documentary celebrates Fanny’s groundbreaking contributions to music and their battle for recognition in a male-dominated industry.
Read our full review of Fanny: The Right to Rock.
Collective Eye Films
In Her Words
This documentary explores the rise of lesbian fiction in literature and how it provided a voice to marginalized women. Through interviews with authors and publishers, In Her Words traces the journey of queer women’s stories from the fringes of literary culture to the mainstream, showing how these works have contributed to greater visibility and understanding of lesbian lives.
Read our full review of In Her Words.
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