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Women Independents (12A*) + Introduction by Helen de Witt

Bebop New York

Storm de Hirsch's Third Eye Butterfly

An evening of short films by women pioneers of independent American cinema.

Marie Menken, Shirley Clarke and Storm de Hirsch were all key figures in the indie New York film scene of the 50s and 60s, one united around a shared desire to combat “false, polished, slick” Hollywood movies with films “rough, unpolished, but alive.”

Menken is represented here by a stop-motion animation, a lush light study and a collection of ephemerally beautiful diary films; Clarke by an abstract documentary which uses fast editing and superimposition to make New York City bridges ‘dance’; and de Hirsch by three abstract works of ‘sensory derangement’ reflecting her interest in magic ritual and incantation.

As with Lee Krasner and abstract painting, these were women working in a male-dominated world, and until recently their achievements have been somewhat overlooked. We welcome curator Helen de Witt to introduce them to us.

Dwightiana (US 1959 Dir Marie Menken 4 min sound 16mm presentation)

Eye Music in Red Major (US 1961 Dir Marie Menken 5 min silent 16mm presentation)

Notebook (US 1962 Dir Marie Menken 10 min silent 16mm presentation) 

Bridges-Go-Round (US 1958 Dir Shirley Clarke 8 min sound 16mm presentation)

Divinations (US 1964 Dir Storm de Hirsch 6 min sound 16mm presentation)

Peyote Queen (US 1965 Dir Storm de Hirsch 9 min sound Digital presentation)

Third Eye Butterfly (US 1968 Dir Storm de Hirsch 10 min sound Digital presentation)

Total running time: 52 min
Please note: this programme contains light effects that may be unsuitable for viewers with light sensitivity.

The Bebop New York film season accompanies the major exhibition Lee Krasner: Living Colour in the Art Gallery from 30 May – 1 Sep 2019.

* = locally classified by the City of London Corporation

Please arrive promptly at the advertised start time

Proof of ID may be requested on entry to films, in compliance with BBFC ratings

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