French Film Festival | Women in French Cinema (Book Talk with Prof. Ericka Knudson)

A conversation (with free lunch) about women in the French New Wave in preparation for the screening of Bardot later the same day…

As part of the fourth edition of the Princeton French Film Festival, you are invited to a conversation with Prof. Ericka Knudson (Northeastern University) who just released “Nouvelles Femmes: Modern Women of the French New Wave and Their Enduring Contribution to Cinema” (Chronicle Chroma, 2025).

Lunch will be offered to the attendees.

Book Summary: “Nouvelles femmes” by film historian Ericka Knudson is an in‐depth exploration and celebration of these female actors, writers, directors, designers, and filmmakers who made the French New Wave an international sensation. The book examines their innovations, their creativity, and their enduring influence on film, art, and fashion. Included here are actresses such as Anna Karina, Jeanne Moreau, Jean Seberg, Brigitte Bardot, filmmaker Agnès Varda, and more, along with films that are now acknowledged as classics of film history, including Breathless, Jules et Jim, Bande à part, Hiroshima mon amour, Alphaville, and Lola.

Organized by the Princeton University’s Princeton Film Festival organization. We thank our sponsors and partners for their support (complete list on our website). Open to everyone regardless of identity. All rooms are wheelchair-friendly and attendees can contact us at filmfestival@princeton.edu for special accommodations (preferably 48 hours before the scheduled event). Please be aware that pictures might be taken before, during, and after the event.

Photo by Alyssa Stone/Northeastern University.