**By: Louisa Moore / www.ScreenZealots.com** The title makes this documentary sound far more exciting that it actually is, so those expecting a truly wild ride will be disappointed in “The Disappearance of Shere Hite,” a comprehensive yet surprisingly dry look at the life of the bestselling sex researcher. While this portrayal of Hite’s life story may come across as dull, she caused major waves with the 1976 publication of her groundbreaking study that surveyed the secret sexual habits of women titled “The Hite Report.” Director Nicole Newnham‘s film makes a deep dive into the life story of this intellectual, bisexual artist and author in a compelling piece of feminist cinema. Narrated by Dakota Johnson as Hite, Newnham uses Hite’s own words to tell her story (as well as interviews with her friends and those who knew her best). Johnson reads from Hite’s diary, books, and letters, eschewing her dislike of the sexist world of modeling, advertising, and academia. It should go without saying that the film features explicit dialogue, heavy sexual content, and frank, honest discussions about sex, so those easily offended will want to skip this one. For anyone with a natural curiosity and interest in learning about one of the most influential women to ever challenge society’s female sexuality myths, this documentary provides a detailed education Hite’s first book focused solely on female sexuality (her second, male) and was comprised of nationwide anonymous survey responses from random, real people. By answering questions in this manner, it allowed respondents to be refreshingly and completely honest and open. This painted a truthful picture that challenged the restrictive, traditional ideas of sex, sparking a dialogue about women’s pleasure, and empowering women to learn about their own bodies and take control of their suppressed sexuality. Unsurprisingly, this made waves, especially in more conservative circles. Hite’s surveys exposed something that really hit a nerve, especially with men who became frightened and threatened just by the idea of women having any sort of power (sound familiar, ladies?). The books were too much for many males to handle, so criticism of Hite’s work skyrocketed. A strong and outspoken woman, Hite was saying and publishing things, true things, that people just didn’t want to hear. It’s human nature, but ignoring them or attempting to discredit them didn’t make them any less true. Eventually, the court of public opinion derailed her popularity and career as an author. “The Disappearance of Shere Hite” tells the story of an early form of “cancel culture” in a way, as the backlash of the author’s controversial work also led to her downfall. The documentary is interesting, but the material is stretched a little thin for a feature length.
A dive into the intimate and creative universe of writer, screenwriter, and presenter Fernanda Young. The documentary takes an unconventional approach and becomes a poetic essay, using disruptive archive collages and visual and soundscapes of intimate moments. The film is also an invitation to reflect on creativity and artistic courage.
The epic story of Thomas Edward Lawrence the First World War military officer who united the tribes of Arabia against the Ottoman Turkish army. The film reveals that while being one of the most enigmatic figures of the 20th century, he was also a deeply troubled man, delving into his personal torment, the secret his family were hiding, and the punishment he endured.
Caravagyo is a duo of Portuguese-Brazilian DJs, Beatriz Valleriani and Kamila Ferreira. By creating an alternative and safe space with a strong feminist and queer message, they combine global and local sounds to connect a community who identifies and expresses itself through this music genre.
The story of how Sicilian Mafia boss Tommaso Buscetta (1928-2000), the Godfather of Two Worlds, revealed, starting in 1984, the deepest secrets of the organization, thus helping to convict the hundreds of mafiosi who were tried in the trial held in Palermo between 1986 and 1987.
This documentary explores the mystery surrounding the death of movie icon Marilyn Monroe through previously unheard interviews with her inner circle.
At the end of his life, gravely ill, François Truffaut took refuge with his ex-wife Madeleine Morgenstern. She tried to keep him occupied during his long agony. The filmmaker confided in his friend Claude de Givray, with the intention of writing his autobiography. Too weakened, he abandoned the project. The film reveals part of this final story.
Jacques Rozier or the fierce, independent itinerary of a filmmaker in perpetual disarray, admired by his peers and pampered by the critics.
Through honest reflection, complemented by insight from colleagues and friends, Faye Dunaway contextualizes her life and filmography, laying bare her struggles with mental health while confronting the double standards she was subjected to as a woman in Hollywood.
An intimate study of one of the most influential and provocative thinkers of the 20th century tracking feminist icon Susan Sontag’s seminal, life-changing moments through archival materials, accounts from friends, family, colleagues, and lovers, as well as her own words, as read by Patricia Clarkson.
Twelve uncomfortable, deeply personal and painful stories by women who have had an abortion are read, told and 'experienced' by six male actors. Does that make a difference? Will the society listen now?
Sir Ranulph Fiennes is credited as being the World’s Greatest Living Explorer. Among his extraordinary achievements, he was the first to circumnavigate the world from pole to pole, crossed the Antarctic on foot, broke countless world records, and discovered a lost city in Arabia. He has travelled to the most dangerous places on Earth, lost half his fingers to frostbite, raised millions of pounds for charity and was nearly cast as James Bond. But who is the man who prefers to be known as just ‘Ran’?