The Disappearance of Shere Hite

Synopsis

Director: Nicole Newnham

Producers: Nicole Newnhan, Molly O'Brien, R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Kimberley Ferdinando, Trevor Smith

U.S., 118 min

“How on earth did I not know about this woman before?” asks Variety critic Jessica Kiang after seeing what she called this “extraordinary,” “revelatory,” and “astonishing” film about the 1970s sex researcher. Author of the bombshell book The Hite Report, a groundbreaking investigation into female sexuality, Hite argued (controversially at the time) that most women achieved orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than intercourse. Though the book remains one of the best-selling of all time, Hite experienced scorn and self-exile. This absorbing film by Oscar-nominated director Nicole Newnham (Crip Camp) makes a compelling case for her rediscovery and tells the untold story of the professional and personal battles of this enigmatic, trailblazing woman who sparked a movement. “Incredibly fascinating and touching” (Chicago Reader), The Disappearance of Shere Hite “feels more vital than ever” (indieWire) and “deserves to become one of the documentary events of the year” (Variety).