The Ape Woman is a 1964 Italian-French satirical drama film directed by Marco Ferreri. The film was inspired by the real-life story of Julia Pastrana, a 19th-century woman who was exploited as a freak show attraction.

Marco Ferreri was an Italian film director, screenwriter and actor, who began his career in the 1950s directing three films in Spain, followed by 24 Italian films before his death in 1997. He is considered one of the greatest European cinematic provocateurs of his time and had a constant presence in prestigious festival circuit - including eight films in competition in Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Bear win in 1991 Berlin Film Festival. Three of his films are among 100 films selected for preservation for significant contribution to Italian cinema.