From February 2nd through 13th, Film Forum is set to host SAPPH-O-RAMA, an extraordinary 30-film series. This event is a deep dive into the diverse, enduring, and genre-spanning history of the lesbian image in cinema.
SAPPH-O-RAMA’s lineup is nothing short of a cinematic feast, featuring groundbreaking, cult favorites, and lesser-known gems from the silent era to the present day. The series showcases works by visionaries such as Dorothy Arzner, Chantal Akerman, Ulrike Ottinger, Cheryl Dunye, Lizzie Borden, and many more.
Take a month-long Journey Through Lesbian Cinema’s History
- The series opens with the landmark film SALOMÉ (1923) by Alla Nazimova and Charles Bryant, a decadent adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s work, celebrated for its open bisexual themes and queer sensibilities.
- Dorothy Arzner’s THE WILD PARTY (1929), a pre-Code comedy starring Clara Bow, highlights the subtle sapphic undertones of female friendships and marks a significant milestone in Hollywood’s representation of lesbianism.
- MÄDCHEN IN UNIFORM (1931) by Leontine Sagan, a romantic and rebellious film, captures the essence of young love and defiance in an all-girls boarding school.
The 1950s saw a nuanced portrayal of lesbian characters in mainstream cinema, with films like CAGED, CALAMITY JANE, and JOHNNY GUITAR subtly hinting at lesbian relationships amidst action and drama.
Film Forum is also spotlighting the bold and Uncompromising Depictions in the Late 20th Century
- Robert Aldrich’s THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE (1968) stands out for its portrayal of a complex lesbian love triangle.
- The 1970s era saw an explosion of diverse and audacious representations in films like CAGED HEAT, DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS, and DESPERATE LIVING, challenging stereotypes and censorship.
Filmmakers like Lizzie Borden, Sheila McLaughlin, and Yvonne Rainer brought forth a wave of independent films, offering a genuine, nuanced view of lesbian experiences, struggles, and joys.
The rise in commercial viability led to a plethora of modern classics that resonated with audiences, like THE INCREDIBLY TRUE ADVENTURE OF TWO GIRLS IN LOVE, DESERT HEARTS, and SAVING FACE.
Special events will feature introductions by renowned figures like Natasha Lyonne and Madeleine Olnek. SAPPH-O-RAMA, curated by Andrea Torres and Emily Greenberg, is an adaptation of the successful year 2000 series, promising a rich, diverse cinematic experience.
Experience the Rich Tapestry of Lesbian Cinema with SAPPH-O-RAMA
Join us at Film Forum for this swoon-worthy celebration of lesbian cinema, revisiting the past, exploring the present, and envisioning the future of lesbian imagery on screen.
