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Deep Dive: Tender Fictions (1995)

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Tender Fictions
Tender Fictions is a 1996 autobiographical documentary directed by Barbara Hammer. It is the second film in her 'History trilogy,' which includes Nitrate Kisses and History Lessons. The film focuses on Hammer's life, her childhood in a Ukrainian family, and her journey to construct her identity as a lesbian. It incorporates a collage of home movies, photographs, interviews, and quotations, emphasizing the constructed nature of autobiographies and the self. The film chronicles significant moments in Hammer's life, including her realization of her sexual identity in 1970. It also examines the lives of artists like D. W. Griffith and Shirley Temple, reflecting on how their autobiographies influenced her. Hammer's intention was to document her story before others could define it for her, aligning with the themes of preserving lesbian history introduced in Nitrate Kisses.

Why Watch

  • •See Barbara Hammer's unique approach to autobiography.
  • •Find out how lesbian history is preserved through personal stories.
  • •Meet influential artists like D. W. Griffith and Shirley Temple.

Did You Know

•Tender Fictions was nominated for a prize at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival.
•The film is part of Barbara Hammer's 'History trilogy' which includes two other films.
•Hammer first heard the word 'lesbian' in 1970, which she realized applied to her.
•Tender Fictions has a runtime of 58 minutes.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ historyExperimental filmBarbara Hammer fans