Growing Up Female

"In 1971, Reichert and co-director Klein set out to profile a group of six girls and women, from the ages of four to 35 and from different ethnic and economic backgrounds. Their intent was simple: they asked each what it means to come of age in America. Though seemingly straightforward, the results were remarkable. From kindergarten through to their 30s, young women expressed the pressures they faced and shared the sacrifices they were expected to make. Now held to be the first film of the women's movement, Growing Up Female is an important part of feminist history and shows the powerful forces of socialization that bear down on women—forces that still, in many ways, remain to this day. Susan Sontag said of the film: "One of those painful experiences that's good for you. The film shows how females are brainwashed into passivity, mental sluggishness and self contempt. I wish every high school kid in America could see this film.""
(Kiva Reardon - Hot Docs)