When I received Ann Simonton’s offer to connect me with the director of a new documentary about the radical feminist Andrea Dworkin, I admit that I hesitated.
Dworkin was famous when I was a young feminist—infamous. Women were often simultaneously angry at her and thankful that someone was saying what she was saying. Most of us were way too concerned about what other people would think to voice support of her.
My Name is Andrea, however, is not what you think. It’s less a documentary than a meditation, an exploration of words, and a universalization of ideas. I sat down to watch it reluctantly, wondering if I’d make it through. I was drawn in immediately by the actresses’ performances, by seeing Dworkin through a woman director’s eyes, by realizing that I’d always seen her through men’s eyes.
In this interview, I mention the feeling of shock I had that this woman who had shown her love and vulnerability throughout the movie was attacked and mocked by the likes of Phil Donahue. At the time, I probably would have laughed along with his audience. Now I sit in silence, mourning that she didn’t live to see this thoughtful and insightful portrayal by filmmaker Pratibha Parmar.
Listen in.
For locals:
- Watch My Name is Andrea at the Del Mar Theater in Santa Cruz, Tuesday, October 18 at 7 pm [tickets]
- Join the March for Women’s Rights at the County Courthouse, Thursday, October 20, 6:30-8:30 pm
For more information:
