More than 50 years ago, Monique Wittig, acclaimed writer, theorist, and lesbian feminist icon, dared to envision a world beyond gender. Told by her lifelong partner Sande Zeig, Wittig, Yes! unveils the synthesis of Wittig's public and private personas, tracing the origins of her groundbreaking theories.
SYNOPSIS
Wittig, Yes! introduces Wittig's political, theoretical, and literary ideas through the creative collaborations with her partner Sande Zeig and a new generation of international academics and writers who articulate the foundations of her conceptual revolution. Zeig interweaves excerpts of work they developed over the years through archival film, photographs, personal notes, as well as theatrical readings, moving with them from France, Greece, California, and Arizona. The three decades of public and private archival materials unveil Monique Wittig not only as a revolutionary writer, thinker, and activist but also as a multifaceted individual with a profound compassion for others, a deep love of nature, and an exceptional sense of humor. She leaves a legacy that continues to have an impact on our current ideas of gender and political thought.
Director Statement
Monique Wittig and I spoke about making a film about her when she was still alive. In fact, she wrote a note about how to film the fictional section of The Lesbian Body. So making this film has been in my heart and on my mind since she passed away 21 years ago.
Monique Wittig is a modern-day hero with a hero’s journey of highs and lows. Our story is one of great love and tremendous loss. I want to share Monique Wittig’s charisma, humor, character and integrity.
In Wittig, Yes! my first-person narration is the cohesive element that brings together archival images, and fictional sequences, lively animations, and interviews. The combination seeks to create a dynamic visual landscape that complements Wittig’s subversive theories. In a Brechtian manner, I hope to enlighten, educate, and awaken the audience to Wittig’s political theories by using a lyrical cinematic style. This visual language reflects my intimacy with Monique Wittig and adds both emotional depth and playfulness.
Supporter Statement
"Like any true visionary or revolutionary, and she is both, Monique Wittig challenges readers to look at the world not so much as it is, but as it might be."
- Cindy Patton, The Village Voice
ABOUT FILMMAKER(S)
Director Sande Zeig
Sande Zeig, Director/Producer, has directed and produced seven films including Central Park, premiered at the Sundance, 1994; The Girl, based on a story by Monique Wittig, 2001, premiered at the Toronto and Berlin Film Festivals; Soul Masters, 2008; Apache 8, broadcast on PBS, 2011; Sister Jaguar’s Journey, 2015; The Living Saint of Thailand, 2019; and Firelighters: Fire Is Medicine to be broadcast on PBS November 2024.
Zeig collaborated with Monique Wittig on a book, a play, and a film.
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Women Make Movies (WMM), Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit media arts organization registered with the New York Charities Bureau of New York State and accepts charitable donations on behalf of this project. Your donation will be spent by the filmmaker(s) toward the production and completion of this media project. No services or goods are provided by Women Make Movies, the filmmaker(s) or anyone else associated with this project in exchange for your charitable donation.
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