Bright Lights Film Series: ‘Her Socialist Smile’

In his new film, VMA Professor John Gianvito meditates on a particular moment in early 20th-century history: when Helen Keller began speaking out passionately on behalf of progressive causes. Beginning in 1913, when, at age 32, Keller gave her first public talk before a general audience, Her Socialist Smile is constructed of onscreen text taken from Keller’s speeches, impressionistic images of nature, and newly recorded voiceover by poet Carolyn Forché. The film is a rousing reminder that Keller’s undaunted activism for labor rights, pacifism, and women’s suffrage was philosophically inseparable from her battles for the rights of the disabled. Discussion with Gianvito to follow.

Co-presented with ReelAbilities Boston and SEIU local 888. Directed by John Gianvito, documentary, English, 93 minutes, USA, 2020.

Registration takes place through the ArtsEmerson website starting at noon on Wednesdays. All conversations will take place on Thursdays at 8:00 p.m. EST and will stream to Cinesend. In order to facilitate more engagement with these conversations, everyone will have the option to join via Zoom and interact with guests directly. More information on how to access films and conversations can be viewed on the Bright Lights website.