- Directed by:
- Carl Theodor Dreyer
- Cast:
- Maria Falconetti, Eugene Silvain, André Berley
- Year:
- 1928
- Duration:
- 1h 50mins
- Language:
- French
- Subtitles:
- English
Dates: 24 & 30 Nov
*2 captivating shorts: A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune) & On the Barricade (L'Emeute sur la Barricade) will precede the main feature, The Passion of Joan of Arc.
The Passion of Joan of Arc is a masterpiece of cinematic expressionism, with Dreyer's use of close-ups and his ability to capture the emotional intensity of the scene being extraordinary. Falconetti's performance is widely considered as one of the greatest in the history of cinema. A powerful and haunting silent film depicting the trial and execution of Joan of Arc.
A Trip to the Moon (Le Voyage dans la Lune) sees a group of astronomers embark on a fantastical journey to the moon in a cannon-propelled capsule. Upon landing, they encounter a race of moon inhabitants and engage in a series of surreal adventures. A landmark in the history of French and World-Cinema, "A Trip to the Moon" is a visual feast that still dazzles today, with its innovative special effects and groundbreaking use of editing techniques, the film is considered the first sci-fi film in history.
On the Barricade (L'Emeute sur la Barricade) is historical reenactment of a Parisian street riot during the French Revolution. This short film is significant for being one of the earliest works directed by a woman, Alice Guy-Blaché, who was a pioneering figure in the early days of cinema. The film captures the energy and chaos of the historical event with raw power and documentary-style realism.