Calling the Shots: Profiles of Women Filmmakers

Kelly J. Saxberg is a freelance writer and filmmaker in Winnipeg,
Manitoba.

As a spin-off from the documentary film of the same name, this book is a
lightweight yet engaging collection of interviews with 20 successful
women filmmakers from the U.S., Canada, India, and Martinique. A
filmography and a succinct biography for each woman are included.
Although the authors are interested in the sacrifices, obstacles, and
working conditions experienced by women who have reached the highest
echelons of the industry in their respective countries, the length of
the interviews does not allow for a critical analysis of the position of
women in the industry. Complex issues such as sexism, feminism, and
racism are broached, but most of the commentary is superficial.

Despite a few exceptions, such as Martinique’s Euzhane Palcy and
India’s Mira Nair, much of the work represented by the women in this
book is decidedly mainstream. Because the authors’ criterion for
selecting their subjects was “success” as defined by profits and
awards, many interesting and inspiring women who are struggling with
important subjects in new and innovative ways are ignored. For the
thousands of women already embroiled in the struggle of making films who
have yet to achieve recognition, there is not enough advice beyond
generalities to make this book an authoritative guide to filmmaking.
There is only limited criticism of the films mentioned by the
filmmakers, and only a cursory discussion of the subjects’ politics
and aesthetic. Nevertheless, the filmmakers offer humorous anecdotes,
interesting stories, general encouragement, and practical advice for
aspiring filmmakers.