Margaret Lazarus facts for kids

Margaret Lazarus (born January 22, 1949) is an American filmmaker. She is known for producing and directing documentary films. In 1993, she and her partner, Renner Wunderlich, won an Oscar for their film Defending Our Lives. This documentary was about women who had experienced violence and were in prison.

About Margaret Lazarus

Margaret Lazarus was born in New York City in January 1949. Her father, Leon Lazarus, was a painter and teacher. Her mother, Paula Lazarus, was an elementary school teacher and librarian.

Margaret graduated from Vassar College in 1969. She then earned a master's degree in Broadcasting and Film from Boston University College of Communication. She started her career as a producer and writer for a TV show in Boston.

Cambridge Documentary Films

In 1974, Margaret Lazarus and Renner Wunderlich started a non-profit organization called Cambridge Documentary Films. This group makes films about important social issues and topics related to women.

Margaret has produced and directed many films. These films cover topics like how media affects body image. They also explore stories of recovery from difficult experiences. Some films also look at the history of workers' rights.

Her films have won many awards. They have been shown at film festivals all over the world. Margaret is currently the Executive Director of Cambridge Documentary Films. Her documentaries are widely seen in the United States.

Making Films for Change

Throughout her career, Margaret Lazarus has used filmmaking to help bring about social change. In 1999, she made a series of short films for UNIFEM. These films were about women's rights and human rights. They were shown at the UN General Assembly.

Margaret also helped write chapters on violence against women for the book series Our Bodies Ourselves. From 2006 to 2009, she taught a class at Tufts University. The class was called "Producing Films for Social Change." She has also been part of the group that chooses films for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Her art project called "Affinity" combines video and live dance. It was shown at the Santa Barbara Museum of Fine Arts.

Margaret Lazarus's Films

Here are some of the films Margaret Lazarus has produced or directed:

• 1974 "Taking Our Bodies Back: The Women's Health Movement"
• 1977 "Eugene Debs and the American Movement"
• 1979 "Killing Us Softly"
• 1987 "Still Killing Us Softly"
• 1988 "Not Just a Job"
• 1991 "Life's Work"
• 1993 "Defending Our Lives"
• 1998 "Strong at the Broken Places"
• 1999 "Women's Rights, Human Rights"
• 2000 "Beyond Killing Us Softly"
• 2001 "The Strength to Resist: Media's Impact on Women and Girls"
• 2005 "Healing the Wounds" (producer only)
• 2010 "BirthMarkings"
• 2020 "Affinity 2020"