Film Details

The silent era’s two most formidable women directors are the focus of the first of five programs showcasing works by pioneering female filmmakers who have been largely forgotten by history. Lois Weber (1879-1939) was an actress who became the first American woman to direct a feature film and, later, the first American woman to own her own film studio. Her scandalous feature Hypocrites, about two men of God from two different historical eras who have contrasting relationships with “Truth,” featured full female nudity. It caused riots in NYC and was censored in Boston and banned outright in Ohio! Hypocrites will be preceded by Weber’s 11-min. Suspense (1913), featuring an early use of split screen. Opening the program, at showtime, are two short films by Alice Guy-Blaché (1873-1968), the world’s first female filmmaker and very possibly the first person to direct a narrative film. (She worked in both France and the U.S., including Cleveland!). Her 11-min. A Fool and His Money (USA, 1912) features an all-black cast and her 14-min.Matrimony’s Speed Limit (1913) tracks on a man who races against the clock to get married. Cleveland revival premiere! All silent with music tracks. DCP. Total 87 min.