Kelly Reichardt on Power and Hierarchy in the U.S.: ‘The American Story Keeps Repeating Itself’

Home Film Global Apr 21, 2026 11:51pm PT Kelly Reichardt on Power and Hierarchy in the U.S.: ‘The American Story Keeps Repeating Itself’ By Lise Pedersen Plus Icon Lise Pedersen Latest Life and Death in Rio Favela Explored in Emma Boccanfuso’s Documentary ‘Saudades Eternas’ 16 hours ago Laura Poitras Backs Push Against Paramount-Warner Deal, Warns of U.S. Doc Funding Crisis 2 days ago Jacqueline Zünd Explores Climate Inequality in ‘Heat,’ Premiering at Visions du Réel: ‘I Found Dystopia in Real Life’ 2 days ago See All Courtesy of Godlis “The American story keeps repeating itself,” U.S. filmmaker Kelly Reichardt told the audience of her masterclass Tuesday at Visions du Réel, a documentary film festival in Nyon, Switzerland. During an onstage conversation that is part of a wider tribute to the director, Reichardt was asked whether she is rewriting the American myth through her films. She instead framed her work as a shift in perspective: “I don’t feel schooled enough to be rewriting history. But as far as the cinematic language of the Western – which is mostly told from the point of view, obviously, of male directors and male protagonists – it is interesting to dive in and change the point of view and see what that does to the mythology.” Related Stories Donald Trump Claims Apple CEO Tim Cook Once Called the President to 'Kiss My Ass'