Phenomenal Women

Phenomenal Women is a series of films and events curated by the Scottish Documentary Institute celebrating women making documentaries addressing topical issues. This year’s theme focuses on mental health and politics, running over 2 weekends (10-11 and 17-18 September) in Edinburgh and Inverness.

The programme includes four acclaimed feature length international documentaries that represent different perspectives on mental health in relation to migration and displacement as well as in relation to the self and the body. Through a personal lens and a female gaze, these filmmakers explore mental health issues in a creative and intimate way, pushing the boundaries of non-fiction cinema and ethics.

Ticket prices: £2/£4/£6/£8

Book Online at Scottish Documentaries Institute 

FILMS & SCHEDULE

Self-Portrait by Katja Høgset, Espen Wallin, Margreth Olin / 2020

10 September 3.30PM

Lene Marie Fossen, a world-class photographer, suffers from anorexia. She stopped eating at the age of ten. Intent on exposing the shame around anorexia and confronting her disease, her art is naked and honest. SELF PORTRAIT is Lene Marie’s journey and struggle. “If only it was about snapping your fingers and beginning to eat again.” In October 2019, at only 33, Lene Marie passed away. She watched the film before, together with her parents wishing for it to be released world-wide.

Beyond My Grandfather Allende by Marcia Tambutti Allende / 2015

11 September 4PM

Filmmaker Marcia Tambutti Allende returns to Chile 35 years after her family fled from a military coup.

All About My Sisters byWang Qiong / 2021

11 September 4PM

A 22-year-old woman investigates abortions and desertion in her family, exploring complex societal powers over women’s bodies and trying to heal and reconcile the family’s four women.

Island of the Hungry Ghosts by Gabrielle Brady / 2018

18 September 2PM

While the yearly crab migration takes place and locals perform rituals for ghosts, a trauma therapist living on Australia’s Christmas Island works with asylum seekers. They are held indefinitely at the island’s refugee detention centre.

EVENTS 

Networking event women in filmmaking, New Voices alumnae: 10 September 5PM @ The Gallery Bar, Summerhall

Panel discussion : filmmaking, politics and women (BSL provided) 17 September4PM @ The Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Summerhall Guests include: filmmakers Hannah Currie, Amy Hardie, producer and licensed therapist Rebecca Day

Online Q&As (date & time TBC)