This volume investigates the historical and contemporary marginalization of women in the film industry while proposing new frameworks for analyzing their contributions. The authors, Jacqueline Levitin, Judith Plessis, and Valerie Raoul, compile a diverse range of scholarly essays that examine how gender dynamics influence both the production and reception of cinema. By integrating historical analysis with feminist film theory, the text argues for a systematic re-evaluation of the canon to include overlooked female directors and technicians.

Scholars frequently cite this collection as a vital resource for understanding the intersection of gender and cinematic history. The text is recognized for its academic rigor and its utility in both undergraduate and graduate film studies curricula.