CELEBRATING STUDIO D – Wisecracks & Flamenco at 5:15

Created in 1974 by the National Film Board of Canada, Studio D was the world’s first publicly funded filmmaking facility for women filmmakers.

Studio D released more than 220 films before shutting its doors over two decades later in 1997. This acclaimed and wide-ranging body of work – produced entirely by women – won an impressive total of more than 130 awards, including three Oscars.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding, the National Film Board of Canada in association with Canadian Women in Film Museum is presenting a selection of the Studio D’s films.

Wisecracks (1 hr 33 min) A witty documentary which explores the world of female comedians on stage and beyond.  The well-measured mix of season performers (Phyllis Diller, Whoopi Goldberg, Paula Poundstone, Deborah Theaker and many others), rare archival footage and stunning newcomers elevates stand-up comedy to new heights of wit and wisdom and tells the story of how women really do comedy.

Flamenco at 5:15 (29 min) This Oscar-winning short film is an impressionistic record of a flamenco dance class given to senior students of the National Ballet School of Canada by two great teachers from Spain, Susan and Antonio Robledo.  The film shows the beautiful young North American dancers – inspired by the flamenco rhythms and mesmerized by Susana’s extraordinary energy – joyously merging with an ancient gypsy culture.

Runtime: total – 2 hours 2 min

There is no charge for booking.  However, upon arrival at the theatre, we would appreciate you paying what you can afford so that we may continue to offer our film program on this basis.