Heresies: A Feminist Publication on Art and Politics was a journal published between 1977 and 1992. The product of a shifting collective of New York artists who made it a point never to have the same editors or contributors on any two consecutive issues, its history serves as a microcosm of the “second wave” feminist movement in this documentary. Filmmaker Joan Braderman, now a professor at Hampshire College, joined the collective in the early 1970s, and her memories of the era are tinged with nostalgia for an era that seemed to explode with possibilities. (In an era shaped by fear, that alone makes this an inspirational viewing experience.) The journal itself may not be remembered by many outside the art world, but shaped by interviews with numerous women who were part of the Heresies collective, The Heretics resonates more widely for its memories of “old school” feminism, including testimonies of the life and work conditions that shaped many of these women who found, as they use to say, liberation.

—m. faust

The Heretics will be presented next Thursday (March 4) at 7pm at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center (639 Main St,) as part of the International Women’s Film Festival. Director Joan Braderman will be present to introduce and discuss her film.

Watch a special 10-minute trailer for The Heretics