Written by Joe Compton & Karina Kantas
Fierce, Bold, Fast, Brave. Women in the Front Seat paints a vibrant and diverse picture of women who not only drive their motorcycles but drive their lives. Filmmaker Indy Saini challenges her own fears to capture their inspiring stories.
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Director: Indy Saini
Writer: Indy Saini
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 19, 2023
Runtime: 1h 14m
Distributor: Indie Rights
(Joe's comments are in blue and Karina's in green)
WHAT THIS MOVIE DOES WELL: I felt like this film captures how many of the women featured, were not just riders, using a motorbike as a means of transport. No, these women were tough and had something to prove to themselves and so they raced, took part in rally’s and even travelled internationally.
Indy not only made it to Atlanta in one piece, but she created a sisterhood, with the women riders she met and filmed and who were willing to tell their story.
I agree the passion here in this film and the details of each of these women's journies is absolutely what makes this film so amazing. I also love the juxaposition of how the editing uses an intricate weaving in and out of the more detailed storytelling of each individual biker into a broader subject that they all weigh in on. In that way it feels like we are on a roadtrip as the audience and the nuances of that experience pace this like being on the bike itself throughout this documentary.
Moreover I love the choice Indy makes here to include herself and make it seem more like a life mission and self discovery (which as she has told me in many ways was), that touch really adds a personal level that wouldn't have been there otherwise. In making that choice we really get an idea right from the first frame and monologue what we are in for and it captured me immediately and never lost me because of it. Yes, this is one of those times where voiceover exposition worked and only because it was there did this film pack a much stronger punch for me.
Not to be too techinical but the sound design here is beyond stellar, it's near prestine and because of that there is yet another layer added to bring us in and give that personal, like we are there with all these women, touch.
This documentary never seems too lecture or q &a heavy to point of disconnection instead the cutaways, the 4th wall breaking that I think is a chef's kiss of a touch, and the pacing all lend itself to a more condusive narrative feel that offers a bit on the educational front for those of us not in the biker landscape and a warm hug for those who are.
Yes it's a wonderful documentary that shows the love and passion women bikers have for their bikes, the road and for themselves.
Moreover I love the choice Indy makes here to include herself and make it seem more like a life mission and self discovery (which as she has told me in many ways was), that touch really adds a personal level that wouldn't have been there otherwise. In making that choice we really get an idea right from the first frame and monologue what we are in for and it captured me immediately and never lost me because of it. Yes, this is one of those times where voiceover exposition worked and only because it was there did this film pack a much stronger punch for me.
Not to be too techinical but the sound design here is beyond stellar, it's near prestine and because of that there is yet another layer added to bring us in and give that personal, like we are there with all these women, touch.
This documentary never seems too lecture or q &a heavy to point of disconnection instead the cutaways, the 4th wall breaking that I think is a chef's kiss of a touch, and the pacing all lend itself to a more condusive narrative feel that offers a bit on the educational front for those of us not in the biker landscape and a warm hug for those who are.
Yes it's a wonderful documentary that shows the love and passion women bikers have for their bikes, the road and for themselves.
WHY CHAMPION THIS DOCUMENTARY: As a biker, I could relate to the pleasure and feelings these ladies get when they ride. Male bikers assume woman are not strong enough to lift their bikes, not resilient enough to go on a bike tour. And they assume that these women were not riding alone.
“Where’s your husband?” Is one of the main questions they get asked.
“That’s a lot of weight for you to handle.”
This stereotyping has to change. And not all women are ‘dikes on bikes’ (as the male bikers like to call them.)
There’s vulnerability when you’re out on the open road, but there’s also the sense of freedom. You can forget about what trouble you may be having. They are far behind you, when you ride. It’s awesome sitting on a back of a bike, whizzing down the road. The scenery flashing by. It’s exhilarating. But what’s even better is taking the front seat. You feel free, empowered, it’s therapeutic it makes you feel strong and there a feeling of respect, when some male bikers see how you can handle a big engine. A few of these women in the documentary were always told know when they wanted something as a child that went against the typical female role and stereotype. So as soon as they turned 18, they rebelled and did everything they were once told not to. And had no regrets doing it. Eventually the parents saw how happy it made their daughter. They were then accepted, for who they were. That was a huge step for both of them. They would have bought a bike and rode anyhow, but having their parents realise how much joy they got from it, made them change their mind, which only cemented their bond even more.
Yeah I think there is a lot for everybody to get from this film in one way or another, especially if you are really into motorbikes but I do think there is a universal truth and a very interesting foray that we are privy to in watching a person, the filmmaker in fact, discover themselves through their work but also doing so as the camera points on them. This is easily one of the best movies I have seen so far this year beacuse it does all the things a good documentary does and hasn't done much of before but also everything a good point to make needs to do to make you say, wow that was cool and I am a better person for vicariously experiencing it instead of being told I need to know or believe.
CHECK OUT GO INDIE NOW'S SPOTLIGHT SERIES WHICH IN THIS EPISODE FEATURES THIS DOCUMENTARY'S FILMMAKER INDIY SAINI
YOU CAN WATCH THE MOVIE HERE
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