What a Girl Wants 2001
"In the spring of 2000, eleven girls and two classrooms of students were interviewed about the impact of media culture on their lives. These are their thoughts."
In this sharp 2001 documentary, director Matthew Buzzell explores how media shapes young girls' perceptions of themselves through candid interviews with eleven girls aged 8 to 16.
Director: Matthew Buzzell
Frequently Asked Questions
What is What a Girl Wants (2001) about?
Directed by Matthew Buzzell, this documentary examines how media culture influences the self-perception of young girls through candid interviews. By pairing their thoughts with TV clips, the film highlights the disconnect between reality and representation.
Who directed What a Girl Wants?
Matthew Buzzell directed What a Girl Wants, bringing a sharp observational lens to the documentary's exploration of media's impact on young girls.
Who stars in What a Girl Wants?
The film features eleven girls aged 8 to 16 from diverse backgrounds, whose candid interviews form the heart of the documentary.
Is What a Girl Wants (2001) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, this genre-defining documentary offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into young voices navigating media culture. Its concise runtime and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling watch for anyone interested in youth, media, or social commentary.
How long is What a Girl Wants?
The film runs for 33 minutes.
About What a Girl Wants (2001) — A revealing documentary on girls and media culture
In this sharp 2001 documentary, director Matthew Buzzell explores how media shapes young girls' perceptions of themselves through candid interviews with eleven girls aged 8 to 16. Filmed during spring 2000, What a Girl Wants juxtaposes their raw, insightful commentary with sequences from mainstream television, revealing the gap between media portrayals and reality. Set against the backdrop of classrooms and living rooms, the film captures the urgency of these conversations, challenging viewers to reconsider the messages bombarding young minds daily.
What a Girl Wants isn't just an academic study—it's a provocative half-hour dive into the emotional and psychological impact of media culture on developing identities. By centering the voices of real girls, Buzzell crafts a film that's both intimate and unsettling, blending humor, frustration, and hope. It's a snapshot of a generation grappling with representation, self-worth, and authenticity in an era of glossy stereotypes.
Originally released in 2001, this short but powerful documentary remains a compelling watch for parents, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of youth culture and media.