Drawing inspiration from the title of a film by German director Helke Sander, a key figure in the feminist movement, Richarz undertakes a very interesting operation.

She narrates the story of the activist engaged in the fight for women's rights and her critique of the patriarchal structures of society.

After studying at the Moscow Film School, she becomes pregnant, is expelled from her family, and moves to her partner's home and their respective parents in Finland, where she encounters a very welcoming, prejudice-free, open, and culturally sophisticated environment.

In 1965, she returned to Germany and began working as a film and television director.

The 1978 film followed the daily life of Edda Chiemnyjewski as she navigated the various roles imposed on her by society: mother, worker, independent woman. A freelance photographer, Edda sought to balance her work and family responsibilities, and thus the film aimed to highlight the challenges women face in trying to be recognized both professionally and as individuals within a social context that traps them in simple institutional roles.

Sander's film thus tended to underline these aspects and point out the responsibility of the patriarchal society and its expectations in creating this reality, while exploring female identity beyond the traditional roles of mother and wife.

In Claudia Richard's 2023 documentary, we deal with Sander, now 87, portrayed through scenes from her films, a vast amount of archival material, interviews, struggles, studies, and private life.

Founder of the feminist movement in 1968 in Berlin, called the Action Council for Women's Liberation, she explores feminist themes and issues faced by women in modern society in her films, carrying forward a critical dialogue on gender roles and women's rights.

The documentary reprises the questions she posed to men and women, reflecting on their roles in society and attitudes toward gender violence and equality.

For example, in a film from the 70s, she posed the following questions to a group of more or less young male chefs:

- Has being men ever caused you difficulties considering that it is estimated that three million women in the Federal Republic of Germany have been victims of sexual violence by German men?

- This equates to 330,000 women per year.

- What does it feel like to be individuals belonging to the gender responsible for these actions?

- How can a woman understand that you are not like other men when there are so many such individuals in the world?

- A woman cannot know if you are just a nice, harmless group of men?

- How can you prove you are not dangerous?

- Perhaps you can change sides of the sidewalk?

This type of interview, observation, and invitation to reflect on the female issue and beyond are interspersed with the current daily life of Sander, with absolutely engaging temporal shifts, including the famous "tomato speech" at the 1968 SDS congress where the director declared that social change is not possible without the liberation of women.

The representation of women in the media is also a central theme in Sander's films: her work constantly challenges reductive and stereotypical portrayals of women. She believed that traditional media were steeped in sexism and perpetuated the patriarchal view of society.

Through the magazine she founded in 1974, the aim was to create a space for women in cinema that could offer an alternative and critical perspective compared to mainstream media.

Richarz's documentary thus celebrates the career of the German director and offers a deep, highly engaging reflection on gender issues and the inexhaustible need for creative and critical spaces for female voices.

Helke Sander's face and human figure are represented in all their complexity: moments of reflection and action show her determination and passion for social justice. The camera often lingers on her eyes to highlight the clarity of her statements and the depth of her experiences and conditions as an indefatigable activist who has remained extremely consistent in her ideas and values over the years.

A continuous challenge to conventions has confirmed her as an inspiring figure for future generations.

The editing by Martin Kayser-Landwehr and Magdolna Rokob is structured and harmonious, the transition between past and present facilitates the narrative flow, maintaining interest and providing an in-depth understanding of Sander's ideas and actions.

This is not a simple biographical documentary: it is a thoughtful and articulated tribute to one of the mostly unknown yet most influential figures in feminism and cinema, demonstrating how this artist's legacy is more current and relevant than ever.

12-Jun-2024 by Beatrice