Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers - The Dream Lady

Directed by Lois Weber, Helen Holmes, Mabel Normand, Grace Cunard, Dorothy Davenport Reid, and Alice Guy-Blaché
Year: 2018

In this extraordinary film, one of many in the collection that feature cross-dressing or gender reversal, a young woman inherits a fortune, then sets herself up as the "dream lady," making the dreams of others come true. One of her first clients is a young woman who dreams of being a man. The dream lady grants the wish, then watches as the new young man forms a close bond with another man, developing what publicity at the time called "a strange love."

"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."


"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."


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


"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!"


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


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


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


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


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