Watch Gloria: In Her Own Words

Gloria: In Her Own Words is a 2011 documentary film that explores the life and work of Gloria Steinem, a leading feminist and social activist of the 20th century. Directed by Peter Kunhardt, the film presents a comprehensive portrait of Steinem's life and career from her upbringing in the Midwest to her rise to fame as a writer, speaker, and organizer.

The film is structured around extensive interviews with Steinem, in which she reflects on her experiences and discusses her philosophy, as well as archival footage and interviews with other notable figures in the women's movement, including Bella Abzug, Flo Kennedy, and Wilma Mankiller. The film also provides historical context for the battles that Steinem fought throughout her career, from reproductive rights and workplace discrimination to the ERA and the sexual revolution.

In addition to the interviews with Steinem, the film features segments on two of her most prominent opponents: conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, who famously led the campaign against the ERA, and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, whose magazine was a frequent target of Steinem's criticism. Through these segments, the film highlights the broader cultural and political conflicts that fueled the feminist movement, and the ways in which gender roles and power dynamics manifested themselves in pop culture and politics.

One of the key strengths of the film is its emphasis on Steinem's personal journey, and the ways in which her own experiences informed her activism. The film explores Steinem's upbringing in a dysfunctional family, her struggles with loneliness and insecurity, and her experiences with sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Through her reflections on these experiences, the film offers a nuanced and empathetic portrait of Steinem as a complex and multifaceted individual, rather than simply a symbol of the feminist movement.

At the same time, the film does not shy away from the political controversies that surrounded Steinem throughout her career, from her criticisms of the Black Panthers to her involvement in the Ms. magazine lawsuit. Through archival footage and contemporary interviews with her critics and detractors, the film offers a balanced and nuanced portrayal of Steinem's role in the broader cultural and political landscape of the 20th century.

Overall, Gloria: In Her Own Words is a powerful and engaging portrait of one of the most important figures in the history of the feminist movement. As much a personal story as a political one, the film offers a valuable perspective on the ways in which social justice movements can be both deeply personal and world-changing, and the enduring legacy of one woman's fight for equality and justice.