Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion at ACMI

Trailblazers. Nonconformists. Rebels. Agitators and Instigators. On and off screen.

Through iconic stories, characters and moments from over 120 years of moving image history, Goddess celebrates the women who shaped their own roles, took creative control and fought a system that tried to exploit them.

From the swagger of Mae West and glamour of Anna May Wong to the powerful punch of Pam Grier, ACMI’s next home-grown exhibition salutes the groundbreaking achievements and impact of the screen’s revolutionary leading ladies. Though behind the scenes since the beginning of cinema, women were too often reduced to bombshells, starlets and screen sirens. But goddesses are far more than sexist stereotypes.

Featuring never-before-seen costumes, original sketches, interactive experiences and cinematic treasures, including iconic outfits worn by Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich, as well as stories from across the globe, Goddess honours the women who wielded glamour, sensuality and smarts to challenge narratives, defy expectations and fashion personas that transcend tropes.

Whether it’s Tilda Swinton, Geena Davis or Michelle Yeoh, today’s goddesses unapologetically occupy spaces and roles that shatter glass ceilings, project solidarity and reframe society through essential stories, brave voices and complex characters. They’ve overcome convention and an industry built to confine them with collective power and fearless creativity to imagine their own heroes and take their own roads.

Extended Hours

• Open til 8pm on Saturdays from Sat 15 April.
• Open on select Thursdays til 1am – see ACMI’s Goddess Nights program.

For more information visit: https://www.acmi.net.au/whats-on/goddess/

Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion is curated by Bethan Johnson, ACMI and is part of Melbourne Winter Masterpieces® 2023