This invention relates in general to the formation of multiaxially (e.g., biaxially) oriented films from high molecular weight lyotropic or thermotropic polymers (homopolymers, copolymers, and the like), wherein due to the processing conditions employed, the films have a controlled molecular orientation. The films of the present invention are preferably prepared from rod-like extended-chain, aromatic- heterocyclic polymers. These polymers generally fall into two classes; first, those that are modified in solution form, i.e., lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers; and second, those that are modSTATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTERESTFunding for the present invention was obtained from the Government of the United States by virtue of Contract Nos. F33615-83-C-5120 and N00164-87-C-0050, from the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy, respectively. Thus, the Government of the United States has certain rights in and to the invention claimed herein.