5 ESSENTIAL MUSIC DOCS FT. WOMEN TO ADD TO YOUR WATCHLIST
Discover some of the most fascinating documentaries about women and LGBTQ+ artists working in music.
These past few months of lockdown have given us tonnes of time to binge watch. As a result, we’ve discovered some fantastic documentaries covering women and LGBTQ+ musicians. To help you shortlist, VG writer, Elle Bennett has chosen some of her favourites:
Underplayed (2021, Dir. Stacey Lee)
Released on this year’s International Women’s Day, ‘Underplayed’ is a new documentary calling out the current state of artist representation in dance music. Featuring artists from across the globe, including REZZ, TOKiMONSTA, and the UK’s own London-based DJ Sherelle and Glasgow’s Nightwave. The documentary speaks to women working in electronic music about the struggles they face navigating a predominantly male and white scene. The film also explores the queer history of dance music and how issues like mental health and burnout affect female DJs and producers.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime.
20 Feet From Stardom (2013, Dir. Morgan Neville)
‘20 Feet From Stardom’ focuses on the behind-the-scenes experiences of the backup singers who supported some of music’s biggest stars. In an interview with the New York Times about the documentary, industry legend Lisa Fischer (who contributed backup vocals to The Rolling Stones’ ‘Gimme Shelter’ and worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Chaka Khan and Dolly Parton) said: "I reject the notion that the job you excel at is somehow not enough to aspire to, that there has to be something more. I love supporting other artists. Some people will do anything to be famous. I just wanted to sing." 20 Feet From Stardom is a stunning tribute to the hard work, passion and undeniable talent of singers whose voices have brought countless iconic songs to life.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
The Punk Singer (2013, Dir. Sini Anderson)
A fantastic documentary film about the legacy of feminist singer Kathleen Hanna, who fronted the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, and was a rallying figure in the ‘Riot grrrl’ movement. Hanna became one of the movement’s most outspoken icons, she was shaped as much by Gloria Steinem and Jenny Holzer as she was by bands like The Runaways, X-Ray Spex and Fugazi. Throughout the 90s and early 00s, Hanna was an incendiary presence in punk music, doggedly refusing to stop shouting about gender inequality; however in 2005, illness forced her to take a reluctant hiatus from music. ‘The Punk Singer’ follows Hanna’s career and journey back into making music. Cutting back and forth between the past and present, the film interweaves extensive archive footage and interviews with Hanna, and other key figures of the ‘Riot grrrl’ movement.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Patti Smith: Dream of Life (2008, Dir. Simon Sebring)
A documentary biopic about the titular music legend, ‘Patti Smith: Dream of Life’ paints an enduring and sometimes rough portrait of the punk rocker poet, complete with footage onstage and at home. Smith was one of the core figures in the New York City punk rock movement in the 70s and her debut album ‘Horses’ is widely regarded as a genre defining classic. She has been an inspiration and an icon to innumerable musicians, ranging from Courtney Love to Madonna to Florence Welch. So if you’re looking for an introduction to Smith, or already a fan and wanting to find out more about her, this documentary is well worth a watch.
Available to watch on Amazon Prime.
What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015, Dir. Liz Garbus)
Another unflinching portrait of a music legend, ‘What Happened, Miss Simone?’ chronicles the life of American singer Nina Simone, who as well as recording some of the greatest jazz and blues tracks in music history, became a civil rights activist and moved to Liberia following the turbulence of the 1960s. The documentary combines previously unreleased archival footage and interviews with Simone's daughter and friends, exploring the complex life and legacy of a towering artist.
Available to watch on Netflix and Amazon Prime.