Don't Shoot Darling! Women's Independent Filmmaking in Australia

RMIT University and the Australian Screen Research Collection are thrilled to celebrate 40 years of the publication 'Don't Shoot Darling! Women's Independent Filmmaking in Australia' with a panel conversation and screening of early feminist rare short films.

Join us for a special event at RMIT's spectacular Capitol theatre, with RMIT's Alicia Byrnes as she presents her research into Australian women's film activities during the trailblazing 1970s-1980s, and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the landmark book 'Don't Shoot Darling! Women's Independent Filmmaking in Australia'.

As part of this celebration, Byrnes will be joined by two of the co-editors of 'Don't Shoot Darling!' - Annette Blonski and Professor Barbara Creed.

Blonski and Creed are icons of Australia's second-and-third wave feminist film theory and activity, and their work is recognised internationally. 

Creed's work investigates horror cinema with a feminist and psychoanalytical lens, while Blonski has worked as a scriptwriter and editor for decades on film shoots and at the highest levels of Australian film organisations.

Byrnes, Creed and Blonski will celebrate the 40th anniversary of 'Don't Shoot Darling!', and discuss the political, social, institutional, artistic and personal dimensions of women's filmmaking.

The evening will also feature an exclusive screening of a rare trio of short films: WOMAN'S DAY (Sydney Women's Film Group, 1973), SUPER DUPER (Sara Dowse, 1976), and TENO (Margot Nash, 1984). These underseen works provide a glimpse of second-wave feminist filmmaking, as they convey the specificities of women's labour.

At this special event, we will also announce the 2025 ASRC Fellowship winner. Be part of the celebration!

Presented by RMIT University and the Australian Screen Research Collection.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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