Maria Arena's Documentary Exposes the 'Terrible Deception' of Patriarchy
The documentary 'Il terribile inganno' (The Terrible Deception), directed by Italian filmmaker Maria Arena, draws inspiration from the Ni Una Menos movement that originated in Argentina in 2015. This film delves into the impact of patriarchal culture on women's experiences and highlights the movement's activities in Italy since November 2016, which aligns with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It also showcases participation in the global women's strike on March 8, 2017. Arena's exploration throughout Italy, especially in Lombardy, uncovered entrenched patriarchy. After condensing over 100 hours of footage into a 1 hour 45 minute film, it critiques the absence of education on feminist thinkers and examines philosophical issues surrounding female identity. It debuted in 2021.
Key facts
- Maria Arena directed 'Il terribile inganno' (2021), a documentary on women's exploitation.
- The film is inspired by the Ni Una Menos movement, which started in Argentina in 2015.
- Ni Una Menos Italy became active in November 2016 and joined the global women's strike on March 8, 2017.
- Arena traveled across Italy mapping gender violence, finding patriarchy deeply rooted even in the north.
- Lombardy has the highest number of conscientious objector gynecologists in Italy.
- The documentary includes over 100 hours of footage, offered as a historical archive.
- Arena criticizes the lack of education about feminist thinkers like Olympe de Gouges and Mary Wollstonecraft.
- The film references Derrida, Judith Butler, and the Rojava confederalism and Jineology.
Entities
Artists
- Maria Arena
- Pier Paolo Pasolini
- Alberto Grifi
- Olympe de Gouges
- Mary Wollstonecraft
- Judith Butler
- Marcello Faletra
Institutions
- Ni Una Menos
- Non Una di Meno Italia
- Artribune
Locations
- Argentina
- Italy
- Catania
- Lombardy
- Kabul
- Rojava