Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers

This important collection of new 2K and 4K restorations shines a light on the contributions of women filmmakers in shaping the language of early cinema.... Read more

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Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers

Directed by Dorothy Davenport Reid, Alice Guy-Blaché, Lois Weber, Helen Holmes, Mabel Normand, and Grace Cunard

Year: 2018
Genres: Silent
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Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers

Crew
Directed by Alice Guy-Blaché, Lois Weber, Helen Holmes, Mabel Normand, Grace Cunard and Dorothy Davenport Reid


In the Wild West days of early filmmaking—before Hollywood hardened into an assembly-line behemoth and boys’ club—talented women worked regularly as writers, producers, and directors, instrumental in shaping the very language of cinema as we know it. Nevertheless, figures like Alice Guy Blaché and Lois Weber are known today primarily by aficionados, and artists like Nell Shipman, Grace Cunard, and Marion E. Wong remain woefully obscure. Bringing together dozens of essential new restorations, this series spotlights the daring, innovative, and trailblazing work of the first female filmmakers and restores their centrality to the creation of cinema itself. – BAMCinematek

Box set out November 2018. Produced in collaboration with the Library of Congress.

Reviews

"A corrective to our collective amnesia. A thrilling look at the variety of films made by women, most before they won the right to vote."

– Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

"Provides a rare opportunity to see some of the greatest films helmed by early Hollywood’s intrepid women... filling in the blanks of the past and reclaiming the medium’s forgotten stories."

– Christina Newland, Village Voice

"One of this year’s most essential archival box sets."

Noel Murray, LA Times

"This is nirvana for keen purchasers ready to immerse themselves in a blossoming new expression started over 100 years ago. To those even remotely interested - Kino's 6 Blu-ray package is strongly recommended!"

Gary Tooze, DVDBeaver

"...an essential piece of film history, and engaging viewing besides."

Jason Bailey, Flavorwire

"Film fans, rejoice! The true history of the motion picture industry just got a bit more complete."

Marilyn Ferdinand, Alliance of Women Film Journalists

"This wonderful box set would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in women in film or in film history."

Cate Marquis, Alliance of Women Film Journalists

"...one of the most important disc sets of 2018, and it's the perfect gift for the serious cinephile."

Robert Harris, Home Theater Forum

Hi-Res Poster

Hi-Res Images

Trailer Embed Code

A scene from THE RED KIMONA, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from SALOME, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from LINDA, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from WHAT DO MEN WANT, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from SUSPENSE, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from THE PURPLE MASK, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from OCEAN WAIF, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from MOTHERHOOD, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from LINDY, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from BACK TO GOD'S COUNTRY, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from HYPOCRITES, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from HER DEFIANCE, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from FOOL AND HIS MONEY, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from FINE FEATHERS, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from FALLING LEAVES, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from DAUGHTER OF THE LAW, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from CURSE OF QUON GWON, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.
A scene from BREAD, part of the PIONEERS: FIRST WOMEN FILMMAKERS collection from Kino Lorber Repertory.

PLAYDATES

Venue City Date
Indiana University Cinema Bloomington 1567656000September 5, 2019
Oriental Theatre Milwaukee 1555646400April 19 - April 20, 2019
Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival Ithaca 1554436800April 5, 2019
Smithsonian American Art Museum Washington 1553918400March 30, 2019
Ann Arbor Film Festival Ann Arbor 1553572800March 26, 2019
Princeton Garden Theatre Princeton 1553140800March 21, 2019
Michigan Theater Ann Arbor 1551157200February 26, 2019
Dallas VideoFest Dallas 1549688400February 9, 2019


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