This year the ACFDC celebrated International Women’s Day with an online streaming of JOHANNA DOHNAL – VISIONARY OF FEMINISM. Johanna Dohnal was the first ever Minister for Women’s Affairs in the Austrian federal government from 1979 to 1995, where, as one of the first feminist members in a European government, she promoted and fought for a modern women’s political agenda. With her extraordinary commitment and courage she profoundly changed the situation and choices for Austrian women in their professional and private life.
“Women have always only achieved what they fought for themselves.”
TRAILER
When: Saturday, March 6, 9am through Monday, March 8, 2021, 11.30pm
Where: online | Vimeo
Ticket: Free admission, registration obligatory
ABOUT THE FILM
Johanna Dohnal – Visionary of Feminism
Directed by Sabine Derflinger
Austria, 2019
104 min, in German with English subtitles
“Johanna Dohnal – Visionary of Feminism” tells the story of one of the first outspoken feminists in a European government. Johanna Dohnal comes to power in the 1970s in Austria. Her life partner, daughter, granddaughter, employees, fellow campaigners and politicians share their memories about their time with her. Johanna Dohnal accomplished a lot for Austrian women through her consistent actions during her 16 years in government. Her fight for equality was always a fight for a society with a human countenance. Feminists, politicians and journalists are well aware of the legacy that Johanna Dohnal left them with and draw strength from what has been achieved, for all that is still to be achieved. Johanna Dohnal herself has her say through the archive material. She shows us how the exhausting struggle for an equal future can be waged humorously and intelligently. Johanna Dohnal was exceptional and remains a source of inspiration for today’s and coming generations.
“Treading softly for purely tactical reasons has always proved to be a mistake.”
ABOUT THE FILMMAKER
SABINE DERFLINGER | Director
Photo © Petro Domenigg
Sabine Derflinger, born in Upper Austria, studied at the Film Academy Vienna, focusing on “Cinematographic narration between epic and dramatic art” (final thesis). Subsequently she has produced various award-winning feature films and documentaries (e.g. 42plus, Day and Night). In 2010, Sabine Derflinger founded her own production company, Derflinger Film, producing independent films and documentaries, in addition to promoting international collaborations (e.g. „Those who can tell no tales“ (directed by: Jasmila Zbanic), „Em Familia“ – Globo TV). In 2011, she became the first woman ever to direct an episode of the well-known German/Austrian crime series Tatort („False Labelling“), receiving the “Grimme” Award 2014, for the episode „Down for the Count“. 2015/2016 Sabine Derflinger set up and directed the new TV-series „Vorstadtweiber“ („Suburbia – Women on the Edge“), which has become the most successful Austrian TV-series of the past ten years receiving the „Metropolis“ Award 2016, best directed TV-series for „Suburbia – Women on the Edge“ Season 2 Episode 6. In 2017 Sabine Derflinger was awarded with “Goldenes Verdienstzeichen des Landes Wien” in recognition of her great achievements.