Delphine Seyrig and Video Activism

Short films from the archive of the Simone de Beauvoir Audiovisual Centre in Paris, directed by Delphine Seyrig and others, and representing different ways of addressing, in an often humoristic fashion, social, political and feminist issues in general through the use of the then newly available portable video cameras.

 
Just Avoid Sex (Y’a qu’à pas baiser !) 

Made when abortion was still illegal in France, Just Avoid Sex playfully and irreverently mixes images from the first demonstrations in favour of abortion, as well as conversations and TV footage.

 
SCUM Manifesto

A staged reading by Delphine Seyrig of Valerie Solanas’ book, S.C.U.M. Manifesto (1967), opposite director Carol Rousspoulos who ‘types’ the text, is powerfully set against a background of television news bulletins.

 
Pour Mémoire

A poignant homage to Simone de Beauvoir, one year after her death.

 
Hommage de Kate Millett à Simone de Beauvoir 

Over images of Simone de Beauvoir’s funeral, Kate Millet evokes her connection to the woman who played a crucial role for women’s rights worldwide.

 
Kate Millett parle de la prostitution avec des féministes

In 1975, two years after the publication of her book The Prostitution Papers (1973) and while prostitutes go on strike in France, Kate Millett discusses prostitution issues with French feminists, including Monique Wittig and Christine Delphy.

 
Followed by a Q&A with Nicole Fernandez Ferrer (Director of Simone de Beauvoir Audiovisual Centre, Paris)