HNAR-225: Women Filmmakers

This class is less a 'smash hits', historical survey of female directors and more of an examination of filmmakers who have a specific and idiosyncratic point of view. We will watch films and do some deep, critical thinking about the choices of the filmmakers. The goal being, you will learn tools, as artists, to develop your voice, your point of view. Each week we will watch a film and read an accompanying essay that ties into the film thematically. Some examples of the filmmakers and themes include: Leni Riefenstahl ("The Aesthetics of Fascism"), Ida Lupino ("Neorealist and Social Justice Champion"), Maya Deren and Marjorie Cameron ("Occult Influencers"). We will also study the films of Agnes Guy-Blache, the first female director in Hollywood who directed over 1000 films, but has largely been written out of film history. We will read essays by Pauline Kael and Susan Sontag among others. There will be class discussions where participation is mandatory. There will be writing too, both formal and informal. The goal is that you will learn how to watch films more carefully, communicate ideas effectively and develop your arguments persuasively.