Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam Unveils 'Liberating Hollywood' Program, Highlighting 1970s Female Filmmakers and National Release of Wanda
Eye Filmmuseum in Amsterdam is set to launch "Liberating Hollywood – Female Filmmakers of 1970s American Cinema," a new program dedicated to showcasing the groundbreaking work of women directors from a pivotal era in American film. This initiative aims to bring rarely seen films by these pioneering artists to audiences in the Netherlands, with a special focus on the national release of Barbara Loden's acclaimed film, Wanda. The program runs from March 5 to April 8, 2026, at Eye Filmmuseum (further details available on eyefilm.nl/liberatinghollywood).
Spotlighting Trailblazing Women in Film
The "Liberating Hollywood" program shines a light on a group of approximately sixteen women who forged careers in the American independent and studio film industries during the 1970s. These directors, including figures like Barbara Loden, Elaine May, Anne Bancroft, Lee Grant, Joan Micklin Silver, Penny Allen, and Claudia Weill, were pioneers of the second-wave feminist movement. Their contributions to cinema, explored in Maya Montañez Smukler's 2018 book Liberating Hollywood, have historically been underrepresented in Dutch screenings, making this program a significant event for film enthusiasts.
National Release for Barbara Loden's Wanda
A highlight of the program is the national cinematic release of Barbara Loden's 1970 film, Wanda. Loden, who also wrote the screenplay and starred in the film, portrays Wanda, a drifting divorcee navigating Pennsylvania's industrial "rust belt." Once considered a cult classic, Wanda has since been recognized as a foundational work of feminist cinema, recently ranked among the greatest films of all time in a Sight and Sound poll. Eye Filmmuseum will release Wanda in cinemas nationwide starting March 5, and it will also be accessible via the Eye Film Player.
Other Notable Screenings and Special Events
Beyond Wanda, the program features a curated selection of films that exemplify the diverse talents of these directors. Among them is Claudia Weill’s 1978 indie film Girlfriends, a story of a young New York photographer grappling with change, which famously inspired later works like Frances Ha and the series Girls. Joan Micklin Silver’s 1977 film Between the Lines offers a humorous and empathetic look at the staff of a struggling magazine.
Visitors can also experience Elaine May's 1971 black comedy A New Leaf, Joan Micklin Silver's 1975 drama Hester Street (presented in a 4K restored version), and Lee Grant's poignant 1980 film Tell Me a Riddle (also in a 4K restored version). Special events include a Q&A session following a screening of Wanda on International Women's Day, March 8. On April 8, a "Woman Who Shot Back Night" will feature a deep dive into Karen Arthur’s 1978 horror cult film The Mafu Cage, including clips and trailers from other 1970s female filmmakers.
Overcoming Industry Barriers
The "Liberating Hollywood" program also serves as a historical reminder of the significant barriers women faced in the film industry. Despite a notable presence in the silent film era, the number of female directors drastically declined from the 1930s to the late 1960s, with only a few like Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino making commercial films. The 1970s saw a slow resurgence, with women beginning to organize and advocate for change through groups like the Writers Guild Women’s Committee and the Directors Guild's Women’s Steering Committee, though often with limited immediate success. Many of these pioneering 1970s directors experienced short careers in feature filmmaking, frequently transitioning to television. The retrospective at Eye Filmmuseum underscores the invaluable groundwork laid by these artists, enabling subsequent generations of female directors to find longer-term careers in the industry.
This comprehensive program at Eye Filmmuseum offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the artistic contributions and historical significance of female filmmakers from the 1970s. For more cultural discoveries in Amsterdam and to explore other inspiring places, visit Musemap (musemap.art) or check out other museums in Amsterdam and upcoming exhibitions and programs.
