"When the total number of films made by women is considered, it becomes useless to determine universally common themes and styles. Such gestures of interpretation and analysis would constitute a disservice to the individuality of each. Would we presume to find common threads among men directors? In spite of the attitudes of male critics and historians, Reiniger, Dulac, Riefenstahl, Deren, Varda, and Chytilova have received the recognition and historical placement they deserve; most other women filmmakers have not. The image of women in film—in front of and behind the cameras—is a subject of keen interest currently being studied elsewhere. The comments and filmographies which follow are not meant as political statements with relation to the women’s movement, although much overlapping of interest is self-evident. Rather, the existence of the women’s movement has generated an interest in and search for more information on the place of women in the arts. It is to this end, temporary as its usefulness may be, that the historical tone of this introduction is directed. ..."
FILM COMMENT
Elaine May
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