Louise Kolm-Fleck, Feminist Pioneer

In collaboration with Filmarchiv Austria and the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Metrograph presents a rare program of restored films by Vienna-born Louise Kolm-Fleck (1873-1950), among the first female film directors in the world and, as co-founder of Austria’s first production company of note and of the Vita-Film studio complex, the largest in Europe at the time of its opening in 1919, a towering figure in the history of her country’s cinema. Makia Matsumara will accompany all screenings on live piano.

“More than 100 years ago, Louise Kolm-Fleck, through her work in the cinema, addressed issues like social inequality, female agency, and systemic barriers with striking clarity and courage. This series honors an artist whose groundbreaking contributions have long been overlooked in film history. Spotlighting Kolm-Fleck is a powerful act of cultural diplomacy, feminist historiography, and archival advocacy. It’s time to restore her voice and her vision to the screen—where it has always belonged.” —Nikolaus Wostry, Deputy Director of the Filmarchiv Austria, Head of Collections

This program is made possible with the generous support of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York.

DCP restorations courtesy of Filmarchiv Austria