WAR PAINT – Women At War

This film shines a light on the trailblazing role of women war artists, on front lines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art, asking:  when it’s life or death, what do women see that men don’t?  

 

Women war artists break the taboo, punching through to create their unique record alongside the daily newsfeed. But in countries where journalism is banned, it’s art that shows us the truth. Where violence against women and rape are used as weapons of war, women are silenced and bear the brunt of displacement, civilians and families pay the price. Multi-award-winning film director Margy Kinmonth shows how war is a catalyst to bring out artists’ most creative work. In the face of destruction they inspire, provoke, imagine, memorialise and heal, seek to disarm – tell the truth to power.  Traditionally a male domain, war art by women has been largely invisible. Until now…

 

Today wars continue to rage globally. In this film, Kinmonth champions contemporary female artists – witnesses and survivors of international conflict, who create art and tell their unique stories.  Womens’ war art is also uncovered from attics and archives, revealing an artistic legacy previously hidden from view.  An entirely female cast and contributors makes this film a unique undertaking – telling vital truths in traumatic times. 

 

Filmed in the USA, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Sudan, Austria, Belgium and Italy, contributing artists include Shirin Neshat, Dame Rachel Whiteread, Maya Lin, Nina Berman, Marcelle Hanselaar, Cornelia Parker and Lee Miller.