Still Working 9 to 5: Looking Back at Equality @Hot Docs 2022

42 years after the release of the cult classic 9 to 5, women continue the fight and push for equality. Whether it’s equal pay, maternity leave or fighting against sexual harassment and abuse, this everyday battle won’t cease to exist. And it shouldn’t because slowly and surely women have shown their resilience to come out of this vulnerable narrative. These small changes are laying down the foundation and providing a better future for women. But sometimes the pages need to be turned back to take a look at the progress women have made. This will also ensure keeping the movement going.

Take a Chance on Me…

Still Working 9 to 5 from director Camille Hardman is an in-depth look at women in lead roles. Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin who all came from different backgrounds joined forces once and for all. These trailblazers showed Hollywood and the rest of the world that women can be at the forefront wherever they are. Hollywood executives were hesitant put these ladies over. They did not want to invest all this money into a film that they thought was going to flop. They were proved wrong at the box office but Hollywood did not want to take these chances soon afterwards.

9 to 5 poked fun at the workplace during an era where women began to fight for equality. There was an underlying message that was relayed to women across the world who resonated with the film. Especially those who worked in the office. Women who were fed up with being treated unfairly aligned with the women’s movements that began in the 1980s. Women stood up for their rights and to not have their backs against the wall.

Still Working 9 to 5 shows the contrast of how things were different for women when it came to fighting for equality back in the 80s. The documentary is a crucial reminder of why these movements were born and why they should be sustained. The #MeToo movement is a great example of recent years that was amplified by the Harvey Weinstein case. Strength in numbers and joining as one is the manner in which change will be made and above all kept.

Click below for our FERNTV interview with director Camille Hardman and producer Gary and Larry Lane of this outstanding film Still Working 9 to 5.