Unfolding Alia Syed, 1987
Unfolding depicts the gendered space of the launderette as both a site of oppression and possible resistance. I was interested in making a film about womens work spaces; the launderette is a functional space, but it is also a place where women meet socially. I got to know the women, took my Bolex (a windup camera) and after a while I felt comfortable enough to start filming. It made me aware of the way in which documentaries can be a form of control. On the one hand, it was a straightforward documentary and, on the other, it questioned my role as maker. It took a long time to make and was extremely rigorous. (Alia Syed)
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