Pioneers: First Women Filmmakers - The Ocean Waif
One of the rare surviving feature films directed by Alice Guy-Blaché, THE OCEAN WAIF depicts a young woman's struggle to leave an abusive household, finding refuge in a nearby mansion where a male writer is completing a novel. As in so many Guy-Blaché films, "space is gendered" in THE OCEAN WAIF, film scholar Alison Mcmahon explains, as much as it is defined by class distinctions between the waif and the wealthy novelist. Their budding romance also marks her not-entirely-successful effort to shift from a "tomboy" persona to a more traditional femininity.
"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."
