UPCOMING EVENTS

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• BS012 Tuesday Online French-English Conversation Group

  • Start
    01 Sep 2026
  •  
  • End
    22 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    17 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom Online Conferencing

  Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

  There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

  We meet online (Zoom) every Tuesday. Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

  The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful. 

  Participation is free for WICE members.

  To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

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• BS042 Friday Online French-English Conversation Group

  • Start
    04 Sep 2026
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  • End
    18 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    16 sessions
  • Location
    Zoom Online Conferencing

  Tuesday Online French - English Conversation Group

  There is no better way to practice your foreign language than by conversing with native speakers, and WICE can help you do just that.

  We meet online (Zoom) every Friday. Participants are divided into small groups of 5-6 members. We converse 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. Conversations are free-form and address topics of interest to the individual group members.

  The group is open to WICE members at all language levels. However, to get the most out of the conversations, an intermediate level in both languages is helpful. 

  Participation is free for WICE members.

  To participate, contact Mike Franks at: mike.franks@wice-paris.org.

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• BS081 Tuesday In-Person French/English Conversation Group

  • Start
    08 Sep 2026
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  • End
    22 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    16 sessions
  • Location
    Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris

  
  

  Tuesday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

  

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  The Tuesday group meets at the Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, but if it is your first time to participate in person in Tuesday's group, please contact Christian Paolasso at c.paolas@laposte.net (primary), or Ellen Bryson at ellen.bryson@wice-paris.org  (secondary) and let one of them know you are planning to come.

  Maison Communale, 69 rue Violet , 75015 Paris. Metro line 8 stop Commerce, and buses #42, #70, #88.

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• BS113 Friday In-person French-English Conversation Group

  • Start
    11 Sep 2026
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  • End
    18 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    15 sessions
  • Location
    Le Nelsons, 16 rue Coquillière, 75001

  Friday In-Person French - English Conversation Group

  Looking for a relaxed and welcoming place to practice and improve your French or English? WICE conversation groups allow you to practice your language skills in an easy, convivial atmosphere with native speakers.

  The Friday group meets upstairs at the Le Nelsons, near Les Halles, from 15:00 - 16:30. Participants are divided into small groups of 5 - 6 people, and the conversations are 45 minutes in French and 45 minutes in English. The subjects are of  the group’s choosing. Though an intermediate level of English and French is expected, there is a wide range of abilities.
  

  There is no need to register, just show up and look for the WICE tables upstairs.

  Le Nelsons, 16 Rue Coquillière, 75001. Metro lines 1/4/7/11/14, RER A, B, D, and buses 74, 85

  Participation is free with WICE membership.

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• BS141 French 2.1 (Beginner DELF A2)

  • Start
    14 Sep 2026
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  • End
    17 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    26 sessions
  • Location
    Mondays: on Zoom; Thursdays: Impact Café, 67 rue Beaubourg, Paris 75003
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Course Description

  This course is designed for "post-bonjour" beginners, either for first-time learners with a smattering of French or those who want to refresh their French at a basic level.

  Throughout the course students will acquire the essential French skills (writing, speaking, pronunciation) needed to function in everyday-life situations.

  Each class will take place in a lively and friendly atmosphere that encourages students' enjoyment and active participation. Along with  linguistic exercises, references to French culture and gastronomy will also be presented.

  The course meets twice a week for 90 minutes  (1.5 hours on Zoom on Mondays and 1.5 hours at the Impact Cafe on Thursdays) and is conducted in French. When necessary, supplementary explanations may be given in English.
  This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29. 
  Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions
  

  About the instructor

  Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”
  
  

   

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• BS142 French 3.1 (Intermediate, DELF B1)

  • Start
    14 Sep 2026
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  • End
    17 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    26 sessions
  • Location
    Mondays on Zoom; Thursdays at Impact Café, 67 rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Course Description

  This lively French course will improve your ability to deal with an array of everyday life situations in French. This level is for students who understand simple, straightforward information and can express themselves in familiar contexts and take part in an everyday conversation on simple, predictable topics.

  Using interactive methods to ensure learner engagement and lasting progress, the course will help you develop your vocabulary, oral and written expression, comprehension, and pronunciation.

  Geared for learners with an intermediate knowledge of French,  the course meets twice a week for 90 minutes  (1.5 hours on Zoom on Mondays and 1.5 hours in person downstairs at the Impact Cafe Thursdays) and is conducted in French. 

  This class does not meet during the second week of French school vacation: October 26 and 29.
  Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

  About the Instructor

  Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. To future students, she says: “In addition to textbooks, I like to make French come alive by using the language to discover the culture and history of Paris in one field trip each month.”

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• BS161 French Guided Discussion

  • Start
    16 Sep 2026
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  • End
    16 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Course Description

  This French Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of French. Group leaders provide participants with engaging weekly readings on a wide range of topics prior to each dynamic and fast-paced seminar. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in varied, topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning through focused conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The French Guided Discussion group speaks only in French for 90 minutes which gives participants an excellent space to practice.

  Please note: the Discussion moves to Wednesday evening this trimester so that Paris-based members can attend the WICE apéro on Thursdauys. Classes do not meet during the two weeks of vacances scolaires: 17 October - 1 November. 
  A Zoom link will be provided the day before the course begins. Be sure to check your email for it
  Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions
  

  About the Instructors

  Brice Dardel and Brigitte Le Quéré, both native French speakers with extensive experience leading discussions, alternate weekly sessions.

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• BS171 Les Femmes Impressionnistes

  • Start
    17 Sep 2026
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  • End
    17 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Impact Café, 67 Rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Dive into the art, literature, and culture of France through this eye-opening new course on women impressionists. Focusing on three artists: Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt, and Eva Gonzalès, the class is conducted in French suitable for an intermediate level of comprehension (high A 2– C1). Students will view a series of lively PowerPoint presentations, read relevant materials, and visit the Musée Marmottan as well as the Petit Palais. For art lovers, the class is excellent preparation for two upcoming exhibits: “Mary Cassatt, L’Indépendante” at the Musée d’Orsay and the first retrospective dedicated to Eva Gonzalès, Édouard Manet’s only pupil, at the Petit Palais. The class will meet in person at the Impact Café

  There will be no class on October 22 or 29 during the French school vacation. 

  Plongez dans l’art, la littérature et la culture françaises grâce à ce nouveau cours enrichissant consacré aux femmes impressionnistes. Axé sur trois artistes : Berthe Morisot, Mary Cassatt et Eva Gonzalès, ce cours est dispensé en français et s’adresse à un niveau intermédiaire de compréhension (A2 avancé – C1). Les étudiants assisteront à une série de présentations PowerPoint dynamiques, liront des documents pertinents et visiteront le musée Marmottan ainsi que le Petit Palais. Pour les amateurs d’art, ce cours constitue une excellente préparation à deux expositions à venir : « Mary Cassatt, L’Indépendante » au musée d’Orsay et la première rétrospective consacrée à Eva Gonzalès, l’unique élève d’Édouard Manet, au Petit Palais. Les cours se dérouleront en présentiel à l’Impact Café. 

  Il n'y aura pas de cours les 22 et 29 octobre, en raison des vacances scolaires.

  About the instructor
  

  Nathalie Allain is a native French speaker with a master’s degree in FLE (French as a foreign language) who is also fluent in English, German, and Japanese. In addition, Nathalie graduated in art history from l'Ecole du Louvre.

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• BS172 English Guided Discussion

  • Start
    17 Sep 2026
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  • End
    17 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Course Description

  This English Guided Discussion Group is open to people who have a strong intermediate or advanced level of English. Our group leaders suggest interesting topics and readings prior to each group discussion. If you enjoy reading, speaking, presenting, and engaging in diverse topic-centered discussions, this group is for you. In addition to learning and developing through guided conversation with other participants, you will also have the opportunity to get personalized constructive feedback. The group speaks only in English for one
  hour.

  The class will not meet on 22 and 29 October (vacances scolaires).

  Note: A Zoom link will be provided the day before the
  course begins. Be sure to check your email for it.

  Contact languages@wice-paris.org with any questions.

  Ce groupe de discussion guidée anglaise est ouvert aux personnes qui parlent anglais presque couramment (niveaux intermédiaire-avancé ou avancé). Nos animateurs proposent des sujets intéressants et des textes avant chaque groupe. Si vous appréciez la lecture, la communication, la présentation et la participation à des discussions
  diverses, ce groupe est pour vous. En plus d’apprendre et se développer à travers des discussions guidées avec d'autres participants, vous aurez également la possibilité d'obtenir des
  commentaires constructifs. Ce groupe de discussion guidée est un endroit idéal pour rencontrer d’autres passionnés de la langue anglais. Le groupe ne parle qu’anglais pendant une heure.

  Facilitators

  The group will be led by several native English speakers of varying interests and backgrounds.

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• BS173 French History Book Club

  • Start
    17 Sep 2026
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  • End
    17 Dec 2026
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  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    Le Nelson's Café, 16 rue de Coquillière, 75001 Paris

  Register

  Notre voyage à travers la France du XVIe siècle commence avec l’ouvrage de Simone Bertière, *Le Beau XVIe siècle*, où nous explorerons la vie, la personnalité et l’influence des reines au cœur de la monarchie française. Nous poursuivrons ensuite avec son deuxième volume, *Les Années sanglantes*, en suivant ces femmes remarquables à travers une époque de plus en plus tumultueuse, marquée par les conflits religieux, les intrigues politiques et les luttes dynastiques.

  La lecture et les discussions se dérouleront en français, ce qui vous permettra de vous plonger dans le texte tout en pratiquant et en appréciant la conversation en français.

  Préparez-vous à discuter les 25 premiers pages jusqu'a la fin de "metier de reine."  Lors de cette première réunion, nous fixerons ensemble un objectif en nombre de pages pour les réunions suivantes.

  Pour toute question, veuillez contacter Mary-Jo Reef: maryjo@wice-paris.org.

  Our journey through sixteenth-century France begins with Simone Bertière's Le Beau XVIe siècle where we will explore the lives, personalities, and influence of the queens at the heart of the French monarchy. We will then continue with her second volume, Les Années sanglantes, as we follow these remarkable women through an increasingly turbulent era marked by religious conflict, political intrigue, and dynastic struggle. 

  Both the reading and discussion will be in French, creating an opportunity to engage with the text while practicing and enjoying conversation in French.

  Come prepared to discuss the first 25 pages, up to the end of "metier de reine." During this first meeting, together we will set page goals for subsequent meetings. 

  Contact Mary-Jo Reef with any questions: maryjo@wice-paris.org

  We'll meet in person at Le Nelson's Café, 16 rue Coquillière, 75001  

  • Métro : Lignes 1/4/7/11/14 
  • RER A/B/D Châtelet Les Halles 
  • Bus : 74, 85 : Louvre – Etienne Marcel / Bourse du commerce

  About the leader: Mary-Jo Reef is a retired professor of Sociology from a U.S. University. She has been an active WICE member for the past 16 years and has called Paris home for nearly 10 years, during which time she led the French-English conversation groups twice a week for five years. "My longstanding interest in French history continues to enrich my life in Paris and deepen my appreciation of French culture and society."

  
  

  
  

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• BS181 French 4.1 (Adv. Intermediate DELF B1+/B2-->C1)

  • Start
    18 Sep 2026
  •  
  • End
    18 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom (online)
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  Course Description

  French 4 is designed for upper-intermediate learners who want to move toward advanced proficiency. The course strengthens fluency, accuracy, and confidence while expanding students' ability to express complex ideas with nuance both in formal and informal settings.
  
  Real-Life Situations Practiced:

  • Participating in professional or academic meetings
  • Presenting and justifying a project or idea
  • Managing misunderstandings and clarifying meaning
  • Writing formal emails or structured texts
  • Debating cultural or social issues with well-supported arguments.

  This course will not meet October 30, the second week of vacances scolaires, 

  Contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions. 

  About the Instructor

  Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

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• BS182 French 5.1 (Advanced DELF C1-->C2)

  • Start
    18 Sep 2026
  •  
  • End
    18 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    13 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom (online)
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  Course Description

  French 5 is an advanced conversation-focused class created for learners who already communicate fluently and aim to reach near-native mastery. The emphasis is on rhetorical finesse, persuasive speaking, and highly nuanced comprehension.

  Focus of the Conversation Training:

  • Persuading, negotiating, and convincing with credible arguments
  • Defending a viewpoint under pressure
  • Handling complex, fast-paced discussions
  • Subtly adjusting tone, register, and rhetorical strategy depending on audience

  This course will be held in French once a week on Zoom for 90 minutes. It does not meet on 30 October, the second week of French school vacation. Please contact Languages@wice-paris.org with any questions. 

  About the Instructor

  Audrey Charmont has a Masters in Marketing and Communications as well as a DAEFLE (French as a Foreign Language). She has many years of teaching experience in France and abroad.

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• BO023 French Film Discussion

  • Start
    02 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    04 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    5

  Register

  COURSE DESCRIPTION: For this advanced French course, you will watch a film at home (available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Canal Plus, Orange, YouTube and other platforms) before a lively and engaging discussion in class. Each month a new film provides a basis for an immersive lesson with authentic spoken language and cultural reference points. If you love movies, there’s no more enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, improve conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of French cinema and culture. 

  Each discussion will focus on analyzing the film from different angles:

  • Creation; production; and reception, both critical and commercial
  • Screenplay, direction, and artistic collaborations such as script, cinematography, acting, and music
  • Specific features in the director's filmography and its place in the French cinema of his/her era.

  Trimestre d'automne: Danielle Darrieux, une actrice dans un siècle

  Ses initiales DD ont été célèbres avant celles de BB. Danielle Darrieux (1917-2017) est décédée à 100 ans, après avoir tourné avec les plus grands cinéastes. Elle débute en 1931, à l’âge de 14 ans, et capte la lumière en incarnant la jeune femme moderne du cinéma français. En 1936, elle devient une star internationale avec Mayerling. Hollywood lui ouvre ses portes. Elle devient alors la plus populaire des actrices françaises et un modèle féminin. Dans les années 50, elle triomphe aux côtés de Gérard Philipe, Jean Gabin ou Jean Marais. Elle devient la muse de Max Ophüls. En 1967, Jacques Demy la choisit pour Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. En 2002, François Ozon la dirige dans 8 femmes. Ingénue, libre, inventant un ton et un style sans pareils, Danielle Darrieux incarne la femme française moderne et libre. Parcours en 3 films emblématiques dont le point commun est les années 50, une décennie de reconstruction de la France, où la femme est encore enfermée dans des rôles traditionnels, que Darrieux incarne et transcende par son jeu d’une éclatante modernité. 

  Madame de (1953) de Max Ophuls

  Avec DD, Vittorio de Sica, Charles Boyer

  Une histoire prétexte de boucles d’oreilles en forme de cœur qui circulent de mains en mains et de capitale  en capitale, pour raconter le destin tragique d’une grande bourgeoise succombant à la passion. La mise en scène totalement virtuose de Max Ophüls, le style de jeu de Danielle Darrieux nous entraînent dans une valse étourdissante et intemporelle. Un des trois films du duo Darrieux - Ophüls.

  La Vérité sur Bébé Donge (1952) de Henri Decoin

  D’après Georges Simenon, avec DD, Jean Gabin

  François Donge, riche industriel, a épousé Elisabeth d’Onneville surnommée «Bébé ». Sentimentalement déçue, incomprise de tous, BB empoisonne son mari. Sur son lit de mort, François revoit son passé et comprend ses erreurs.

  Ce film sombre réalisé par le premier mari de Danielle Darrieux rend parfaitement l’univers des romans de Simenon. Ce drame de l’incompréhension, construit en de multiples flash backs, ne juge pas de manière morale l’héroïne, mais montre au contraire la prison patriarcale dans laquelle la société a tenté de l’enfermer.  Le film est une autopsie du couple bourgeois et porte un message féministe très en avance pour son époque.

  8 femmes (2002) de François Ozon

  Avec DD, Catherine Deneuve, Fanny Ardant, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Virginie Ledoyen, Ludivine Sagnier

  Dans les années 50, à l’approche de Noël, la neige tombée en abondance isole une maison familiale dont le propriétaire est retrouvé poignardé. Le coupable est forcément l’une des huit femmes réunies pour les fêtes et prisonnières de la tempête : sa femme, sa sœur, sa belle-sœur, ses deux filles, sa cuisinière, et sa femme de chambre.

  S’inspirant d’un succès du théâtre de boulevard, François Ozon nous propose une comédie grinçante, un sulfureux huis clos au cours duquel les manœuvres les plus basses sont déballées par une famille aux abois. Il offre à ses huit actrices un intermède musical leur permettant de chanter un solo. La mise en scène joue sur le mensonge et les faux semblants. Hommage de François Ozon aux actrices et singulièrement à Danielle Darrieux.

  • ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: A graduate of Sciences Po Paris and ESCP Business School with a master's in political philosophy, Pascale Borenstein co-founded the first professional training course for screenwriters, the Conservatoire Européen d'Ecriture Audiovisuelle (CEEA), which she subsequently directed. From 2004 to 2017, she was Director of International Relations and Continuing Education at France's national film school, La Fémis, where she collaborated with the film departments at NYU, Columbia University, and Calarts. Pascale is the co-author of "Histoire de films français" published by Bordas and a lecturer at l'ICART (École du Management Culturel & Marché de l'Art).

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• BO163 American Film Classics

  • Start
    16 Oct 2026
  •  
  • End
    18 Dec 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    Remote on Zoom
  • Spaces left
    8

  Register

  Course Description

  Discover and discuss masterpieces of American cinema in this class for intermediate and advanced English speakers. You’ll watch a film at home on streaming, or borrow the DVD from your local library, before a lively and engaging discussion in class. You’ll be assigned one scene to watch at least three times! Every month you’ll view a film from an influential director so you’ll come to know the stylistic hallmarks of favorite genres and filmmakers.
  

  If you love the movies, this course is an enjoyable way to increase vocabulary, get comfortable with idiomatic expressions, improve your conversational skills, and deepen your understanding of American culture and cinema.

  During the Fall 2026 trimester we'll be discussing three independent American films from the 21st century (or close enough):

  1. Fargo, 1996, written and directed by the Coen brothers, starring Frances McDormand, William H. Macy, and Steve Buscemi. A black comedy crime drama that features inky dark humor; stark, snowy winter; and a pregnant police chief who embodies Minnesota nice. 

  "McDormand's uproariously sly-spry performance connects with Roger Deakins' bleakly beautiful photography to create one of the Coens' most consistently successful outings..." -- Mike Clark, USA Today 

  2. Carol, 2016, directed by Todd Haynes, starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Kyle Chandler. In 1950s New York, Therese, a young department store employee, meets Carol who is  seductively older, glamorous, and unhappily married. Complications ensue. 

   "A serious melodrama about the geometry of desire, a dreamy example of heightened reality that fully engages emotions despite the exact calculations with which it's been made... Carol's lush but controlled visual look is completely intoxicating." -- Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times

  3. Certain Women, 2016, written and directed by Kelly Reichardt, starring Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, and Lily Gladstone. An anthology of intertwined short stories featuring three different women whose lives are marked by isolation and loneliness.

  Guy Lodge of Variety called Reichardt "the quietest of great American filmmakers." In The Guardian, Nigel M. Smith gave the film 4 out of 5 stars and praised Reichardt as "a master at slow-burning, melanchonic dramas." 
  

  About the instructor:

  Ellen Feldman grew up in Philadelphia and currently lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She holds a Ph.D. in cinema studies from New York University and has taught film studies at the State University of New York, Geneseo campus, and Brooklyn College.

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