News
October 20, 2025
“Do Women Make the Harsher Films?” Isa Willinger Explores That Question in ‘No Mercy’
The love letter to pioneering director Kira Muratova, screening at Austria's Viennale this week, features interviews with the likes of Virginie Despentes, Céline Sciamma, Alice Diop, and Joey Soloway.
---
Vienna, Austria – Are women directors more inclined to push boundaries and explore the darker sides of human experience in their films? This is the central question posed by Isa Willinger in her new documentary, “No Mercy,” currently screening at the prestigious Viennale film festival in Austria. The film serves as both a compelling tribute to the groundbreaking Ukrainian director Kira Muratova and an investigation into the nuances of female filmmaking.
Muratova, known for her unflinching and often brutal portrayals of life, becomes the lens through which Willinger examines the potential connection between gender and a willingness to depict harsh realities on screen. “No Mercy” doesn't shy away from confronting difficult questions about societal expectations, artistic expression, and the unique perspectives women bring to the world of cinema.
The documentary isn't just a theoretical exploration; it's brought to life through insightful interviews with a diverse and influential group of female filmmakers and thinkers. Among those featured are Virginie Despentes, the acclaimed French author and filmmaker known for her uncompromising narratives; Céline Sciamma, the director behind the critically lauded "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," whose films often explore themes of female desire and identity with remarkable sensitivity; Alice Diop, the documentarian whose powerful work examines social issues with a raw and unflinching gaze; and Joey Soloway, the creator of the groundbreaking television series "Transparent," celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of gender identity and family dynamics.
These interviews promise to offer a range of perspectives on the topic, exploring whether female directors are indeed more inclined to tackle difficult subjects, and if so, what factors might contribute to this tendency. Is it a conscious choice, a response to societal pressures, or simply a reflection of their own lived experiences?
"No Mercy" is expected to spark considerable debate within the film community and beyond, prompting audiences to reconsider their assumptions about gender and artistic expression. By celebrating the legacy of Kira Muratova and amplifying the voices of contemporary female filmmakers, Isa Willinger's documentary offers a timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of women in cinema. The film's screening at Viennale positions it as a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of filmmaking and the power of female perspectives.
Vienna, Austria – Are women directors more inclined to push boundaries and explore the darker sides of human experience in their films? This is the central question posed by Isa Willinger in her new documentary, “No Mercy,” currently screening at the prestigious Viennale film festival in Austria. The film serves as both a compelling tribute to the groundbreaking Ukrainian director Kira Muratova and an investigation into the nuances of female filmmaking.
Muratova, known for her unflinching and often brutal portrayals of life, becomes the lens through which Willinger examines the potential connection between gender and a willingness to depict harsh realities on screen. “No Mercy” doesn't shy away from confronting difficult questions about societal expectations, artistic expression, and the unique perspectives women bring to the world of cinema.
The documentary isn't just a theoretical exploration; it's brought to life through insightful interviews with a diverse and influential group of female filmmakers and thinkers. Among those featured are Virginie Despentes, the acclaimed French author and filmmaker known for her uncompromising narratives; Céline Sciamma, the director behind the critically lauded "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," whose films often explore themes of female desire and identity with remarkable sensitivity; Alice Diop, the documentarian whose powerful work examines social issues with a raw and unflinching gaze; and Joey Soloway, the creator of the groundbreaking television series "Transparent," celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of gender identity and family dynamics.
These interviews promise to offer a range of perspectives on the topic, exploring whether female directors are indeed more inclined to tackle difficult subjects, and if so, what factors might contribute to this tendency. Is it a conscious choice, a response to societal pressures, or simply a reflection of their own lived experiences?
"No Mercy" is expected to spark considerable debate within the film community and beyond, prompting audiences to reconsider their assumptions about gender and artistic expression. By celebrating the legacy of Kira Muratova and amplifying the voices of contemporary female filmmakers, Isa Willinger's documentary offers a timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of women in cinema. The film's screening at Viennale positions it as a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of filmmaking and the power of female perspectives.
Category:
World