---

There is no denying that Meir Zarchi´s I Spit on Your Grave (1978) deserves its title as one of the most controversial films ever made. While many condemn it as misogynistic, others praise it for raising uncomfortable issues about sexual violence. While its reputation as a cult film has undoubtedly been cemented by its unique position in the 1970s/80s exploitation era and the "video nasties" scandal, it has also become mythologized by its own official and unofficial franchises.

---

David Maguire is a programmer for the Leeds International Film Festival´s fantasy/horror strand, with an MA in Film Studies from the University of Bradford.

---