Barbara Hammer, a pioneering force in independent filmmaking, was born in 1939 in California. From a tender age, she was encouraged to embody traditional notions of femininity and beauty, with her mother frequently showcasing images of child stars like Shirley Temple to her daughter. In contrast, Barbara's maternal grandmother, a Ukrainian immigrant, worked as a cook for the esteemed actress Lillian Gish, and on one occasion, Barbara and her mother were introduced to the legendary D. W. Griffith. Nevertheless, Barbara eschewed the idea of becoming a child star and instead discovered alternative means of self-expression.
As she grew older, Barbara Hammer found her true calling in filmmaking. In 1974, she created her first film, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that has spanned over four decades. Throughout her remarkable career, she has produced an astonishing number of films and videos, estimated to be between 80 and 100. Many of her works have been provocative and groundbreaking, tackling sensitive topics such as sex, gender, society, and history. Her debut feature film, Nitrate Kisses, premiered in 1992, solidifying her position as a leading figure in independent cinema.
