London, United Kingdom – The disappearance of Shere Hite, a groundbreaking American sex researcher and feminist icon, is the subject of a compelling new documentary that sheds light on her significant contributions. Directed by Nicole Newnham, the film explores how Hite vanished from the forefront of the feminist movement in the 20th century. Hite rose to fame in 1976 with the publication of her influential book, The Hite Report: A Nationwide Study of Female Sexuality. The book, based on an anonymous survey of 3,000 women, revealed that 70% of women did not experience orgasm from penetrative sex, a groundbreaking finding at the time.
Hite’s journey to becoming a prominent voice in feminism began when she joined New York’s feminist movement while working as a model to support herself as a PhD student. The turning point came when she appeared in a sexist typewriter advertisement, leading her to fully commit to advocating for women’s rights. The documentary features insightful interviews with activists, academics, and psychologists who knew Hite, offering a glimpse into the spirited energy of 1970s feminism. Hite herself is seen in archive footage, displaying her magnetic presence and sharp intellect.
While The Hite Report resonated with women who had long felt guilt or inadequacy about their sexuality, it also faced backlash. Some men accused Hite of being a man-hater, perceiving her message as a call for women’s independence from men. The documentary includes a chatshow appearance alongside David Hasselhoff, where he jokingly dismissed Hite’s findings, highlighting the divisive reactions to her work.
Unfortunately, Hite’s credibility faced further challenges when she was discredited for her past modeling career and her research methodology. The criticism gained momentum in the 1980s, coinciding with the rising influence of the religious right. The hostility towards Hite is evident in footage from The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she faced an all-male audience.
In response to the criticism, Hite left the United States and settled in London, where she remained until her death in 2020. Known for her collaboration with photographers, Hite understood the power of images. The film showcases her stunning portraits, highlighting her strength and control.
The Disappearance of Shere Hite presents a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of Hite’s impactful work and subsequent fall from prominence. By shedding light on her story, the documentary honors her contributions and paves the way for a much-deserved biopic that can introduce Hite to a new generation of feminists.
The documentary is set to be released on January 12th in UK cinemas, ensuring that Hite’s legacy continues to inspire and provoke conversations about feminism and sexuality.