This film opens July 29th
Closed captions available
Though her life generated voluminous literature, most people ignore the fact that iconic deaf-blind author Helen Keller (1880–1968) was one of the most passionate socialist advocates of her time. Continuing his work of patient and insightful political filmmaking, director John Gianvito (Profit Motive and the Whispering Wind) resurrects Keller’s radical views, which have been largely suppressed or sanitized over the years. Gianvito combines onscreen text taken from her most memorable public appearances, recorded voiceover by politically engaged poet Carolyn Forché, and quiet images of nature, creating another unique blend of activism, historical analysis and poetry. 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.
“Written, directed and shot by John Gianvito, Her Socialist Smile is a fascinating and challenging exploration of Keller’s political thought.” ~ Glen Kenny, NY Times
VTIFF’s Virtual Cinema in 2021 is Sponsored by
A Single Pebble
