PORTFOLIO

Hostess, style icon, adviser, figurehead, role model, object of hatred – being First Lady is not a profession; perhaps it is more of a fate. Their husbands are the presidents of their countries, and so these women, too, find themselves in the spotlight. They have not been elected and have no clearly defined duties. A First Lady is supposedly “just” the woman at his side. And yet First Ladies shape the public image of their countries and influence political and social discourse – without holding an official position, but often with considerable impact. At the same time, they are mirrors of their era, expected to represent and conform to prevailing social norms. They become larger-than-life embodiments of the role assigned to women in their particular decade. Some of these women step out of their husbands’ shadow, become icons and make history. Is there a way to turn this prominent supporting role into something meaningful? To be more than decorative accessories, accompanying their husbands, attending the traditional “spouses’ programme” and hosting charity events? Absolutely. These films explores the different strategies famous women have developed in their roles as First Ladies. They present contrasting models of the role, portray these women and their ambitions, and place them within their respective historical contexts. How have women navigated this role over the past decades? What has constant public scrutiny done to them? How much power and influence do they really have? What models of womanhood have they embodied – and how successfully have they managed to use their position? A journey through time and across countries, portraying famous women who have interpreted the role of First Lady in radically different ways: dutiful, power-hungry, cool, humiliated, legendary. And yes, every now and then, there is a First Husband too…