The Shepherdstown Film Society is pleased to announce its spring, 2015 series. Five films will be presented, starting on January 30 and running through April 24. Four films comprise our spring theme of women artists and one film is presented in conjunction with Shepherd University’s Common Reading Program.

The women artist films are presented through our continuing partnership with the Scarborough Society of Shepherd University. This partnership gives the Shepherdstown Film Society the financial support it needs to maintain its commitment to show free films for Shepherd students and faculty, and the Shepherdstown community.

All films will be shown on Fridays. All showings are at 7 p.m. in Shepherd University’s Reynolds Hall. As with all the Society’s films, admission will be free and each showing will be followed by a discussion. An opening night reception at The War Memorial Building will kick off the series from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30.

More information on each film can be found on the Society’s website at www.shepherdstownfilmsociety.org. The film schedule will be as follows: Jan. 30: “La vie en rose”; Feb. 13: “Frida”; Feb. 27: “Wadjda”; Mar. 13: “Mozart’s Sister”; and Apr. 24: “Finding Vivian Maier”

Details of the films follow below, in the order in which the films are being shown:

Jan. 30: “La vie en rose” (France, 2007, 140 minutes, directed by Olivier Dahan). Edith Piaf’s life has a story line right out of a Dickens novel. She was born into poverty. Her mother soon abandoned her. As a teen she performed as a street acrobat and singer with her father. Her singing career made her a national pop culture icon in France and took her to international fame. Her death at age 47 brought over 100,000 into the streets of Paris to mourn her passing. Actress Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for her portrayal of Piaf in this film. Post-film discussion led by Lex Miller. Rated PG-13 for brief nudity and thematic elements.

Feb. 13: “Frida” (USA, 2002, 123 minutes, directed by Julie Taymor). Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter of the early 20th century known for her vivid color palette and striking imagery. This film portrays her artistic and political growth and her turbulent marriage with fellow Mexican painter, Diego Rivera. Leon Trotsky and Nelson Rockefeller are among supporting characters in the film. Actress Salma Hayek was nominated for an Oscar in the role of Frida. Post-film discussion led by Mary Stanley. Rated R for sexuality and language.

Feb. 27: “Wadjda” (Germany, 2012, 98 minutes, directed by Haifaa al-Mansour). Wadjda is a bright and vivacious Saudi Arabian 10-year old. Unhappy with the restrictions placed on Saudi girls, she devises a plan to raise money to buy a forbidden bicycle. Complications ensue. Presented in conjunction with Shepherd University’s Common Reading Program. Post-film discussion led by Dr. Rachel Krantz, Associate Professor of French at Shepherd University. Rated PG.

Mar. 13: “Mozart’s Sister” (France, 2010, 120 minutes, directed by Rene Feret). What if a musically precocious girl was given the same opportunities as her brother in 18th century Vienna? This is the starting point for the examination of the life Maria Anna Mozart, a talented musician almost lost to history. Post-film discussion led by Rebecca Ayraud. Rated PG.

Apr. 24: “Finding Vivian Maier” (USA, 2013, 83 minutes, directed by John Maloof and Charlie Siskel). Vivian Maier photographed over 150,000 street scenes in and around Chicago, Illinois in the second half of the 20th century. Though a meticulous artist with a strong, individual style, her work was never shown publicly and she died completely unknown. This documentary film traces the discovery of her work and the posthumous critical acclaim she has received. Post-film discussion led by Benita Keller. This film is not rated.

For further information about the Society and its films, visit their website or contact Lisa Welch at 304-876-1837 (email lmwelch@frontiernet.net) or Mina Goodrich at 304-876-2159.