Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

In a time when politicians are debating the concept of legitimate rape, Feminist punk bands are being sent to prison, and summer block busters are made almost exclusively for boys we all could use a little Wonder Women. With this idea in mind, DOXA Documentary Film Festival’s Motion Pictures Film Series and the Rio Theatre are proud to present the Vancouver premiere of Kristy Guevara-Flanagan’s Wonder Women: The Untold Story of American Superheroines.

Wonder Woman burst onto the scene in December 1941, at the height of WWII. Her creator William Moulton Marston envisioned her as the harbinger of a glorious future world, ruled by women and governed by the principles of peace, love and inclusivity. But when the war ended, and women were sent back to the kitchen, Wonder Woman herself suffered a similar diminishment. It wasn’t until the 70s second wave feminism that Wonder Woman regained her former power. Featuring a riotous soundtrack from the real-life riot grrrls of Le Tigre, Wonder Women captures the rise and fall of super heroines through the 70s, 80s and 90s, from the Bionic Woman to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Xena, Warrior Princess.

But if ever there was a cultural moment that called for the resurgence of powerful women, this is it. Wonder Women is a rabble-rousing hoot of a film that champions the ability of women and girls to reinvent culture in their own way, with power, strength and kick-ass boots.

If you have a daughter, it is a moral imperative that you show her this film as soon as possible. – Film Threat

If you’re like me, or one of the other 400 women mouthing ‘Yes! Yes!’ during the screening, then WONDER WOMEN! will be candy for your inner feminist. – Austin Woman Magazine

WONDER WOMEN!, a film which at once made me feel empowered and like a terrible ‘emotional woman’ stereotype because I was crying and hyperventilating with joy the entire time…if you love your daughters, girlfriends, sisters and mothers, take them to see this fantastic gem of a movie. – Little Village Magazine

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope

Since its humble beginning as a comic-book convention in 1970, Comic-Con has morphed into a Godzilla sized megalith, attracting over 140,000 genre fans, often dressed in full-regalia inspired by their various filmic and comic book obsessions. Comic-Con has also become a prime launching pad for studios to preview the big-action blockbusters, as well as a market for video games and action figures. But in amongst the hype, surprisingly human stories emerge. Director Morgan Spurlock brings his genial presence to the action, but he is no match for Storm Troopers and men dressed as elves. Pathos and absurdity combine to sublime effect in this affectionate portrait of a subculture and its citizens.