Daviel Shy’s experimental film, The Ladies Almanack, explores a complex network of queer creative women in 1920s Paris.
The film is based on the 1928 self-published novel by Djuna Barnes, centering around the women in lesbian writer, Natalie Clifford Barney’s, literary salon in Paris. A roman à clef, the novel details the experiences and relationships of real women, like, Radclyffe Hall and Romaine Brooks, through a thin façade of fiction.
In Daviel Shy’s film, a large cast explores the personas of these women on their own terms. Makeshift costumes pay homage to the 1920s, with modern elements thrown in, like bedazzled bras, crop tops, or nameplate necklaces. The film’s soundtrack is hypnotic, combing elements of house music with ethereal chanting. The soundtrack is often accompanied by dancing, employing modern dance styles. Despite its many modern elements, a deep respect for lesbian culture of the 1920s is clear throughout the film.
The Ladies Almanack is composed of vignettes organized by month, shown through title cards surrounded by vibrant collage. The experimental elements employed in The Ladies Almanack intensify its unique aesthetic. Shot on Super 8, images are vibrant as well as grainy. Audio is intentionally not synched to lip movements. Many scenes are meant to be enjoyed visually, meditating on the queer culture it is depicting, rather than merely reenacting it.
The film and its source of origin are an important reminder that lesbian culture has existed long before the gay liberation movement of the 1970s, and that the fascinating queer culture in the 1920s is deserving of recognition.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
This film would be a welcome addition to any Pride collection, especially those that focus on films made by or about queer women.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
The Ladies Almanack would be a great introduction to audience members who want to learn more about this era of queer literature. It could also be a useful tool in experimental filmmaking classes.
Does the film have public performance rights available?
Yes, for $295. The film can be ordered from Planet Group Entertainment and is currently streaming on Kanopy.