Don’t Shoot Darling! Women’s Independent Filmmaking in Australia

Join us for an exciting evening at RMIT's The Capitol as this year’s ASRC fellow, Alicia Byrnes, explores her research into Australian women’s film activities during the 1970s-80s. As part of this exploration, Alicia will be joined by two of the co-editors of the influential publication Don’t Shoot Darling! Women’s Independent Filmmaking in Australia (1987), Annette Blonski and Professor Barbara Creed.

Soon to be celebrating its 40th anniversary, Don’t Shoot Darling! remains an insightful text for its wide-ranging documentation of second wave feminist film work in Australia. This discussion will address the impetus for the volume; its expansive outlook, which engages the artistic, political, institutional, and personal dimensions of women’s filmmaking; and its relevance for contemporary debates in feminist film theory.

The evening will also feature an exclusive screening of a trio of short films: Woman’s Day (Sydney Women’s Film Group, 1973), Super Duper (Sara Dowse, 1976), and Teno (Margot Nash, 1984). These underseen works together provide a glimpse of the movement at the centre of this project as they convey the specificities of women’s labour.

We’re also thrilled to announce the 2025 ASRC Fellowship winner. Be part of the celebration!

6:00-7:30PM, Tuesday 28 October
The Capitol
Free, registration essential

Presented by RMIT Culture and the Australian Screen Research Collection