The Directrices

Female filmmakers are often regarded as a modern phenomenon, but in fact the directrix was an integral part of early film history. Directrices are responsible for the development of narrative film, experiments with early sync sound, special effects like the double exposure, the development of silhouette animations, and split screen techniques. They made films with all black casts, gay characters, and explored social issues and unconventional romances, all before 1950. 

This 4-week course will introduce attendees to Alice Guy-Blache, Lois Weber, Lottie Reiniger, and Dorothy Arzner, all women who were responsible for film history and technology firsts.

Films:

2/4: THE OCEAN WAIF (1916) + shorts, by Alice Guy-Blache

2/11: SUSPENSE (1913) & SHOES (1916) by Lois Weber

2/18: THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED (1926) by Lottie Reiniger

2/25: DANCE, GIRL, DANCE (1940) by Dorothy Arnzer

This class will be taught by MMU Education Instructor De, who has previously taught costume classes, Worldwide Vampires and Half Agony, Half Hope: Austen Films of the 90s at MMU.

Each class will begin with a short lecture, followed by a screening of the film, after which an instructor-led discussion will take place. 

Class size will be limited to 18.

Email us at education@moviemadness.org if you have any questions.