Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the concept of film authorship and examines how feminist film inquiry has been a useful tool for unpacking some of the unspoken prejudices of film history. It aims to illustrate how women as film authors have historically been left out of dominant film history. The book discusses the more recent historical turn in feminist film studies, and notable women film pioneers across the globe. It explores the feminist foundations of thinking about spectatorship and reception, from psychoanalytic to empirical approaches. The book introduces the major terminology and methodological considerations in feminist approaches to star studies. It also explores fandoms and fan practices. The chapter examines two major modes of filmmaking that often overlap, documentary and experimental film and video.