Audience

Barbara Hammer’s *Audience* is a notable entry in the director’s extensive filmography. Shot on 16mm, the film documents audience reactions at retrospectives of Hammer’s work in San Francisco, London, Toronto, and Montreal during the early 1980s. Unlike much of her work, it lacks the visual flourishes and essayistic structure typical of her filmmaking. *Audience* serves as a historical record, offering brief yet nuanced portrayals of lesbian communities in different cities: the San Francisco attendees are bold and enthusiastic, treating Hammer as a celebrity; the London audience is more reserved and hesitant; and the Canadian viewers are politely critical after initial hesitation. The film also highlights Hammer’s influence within lesbian culture, demonstrating her ability to engage audiences and stimulate discussions about representation.