Guiding Question

How do filmmakers bring history to life, and how does filmed history represent (or misrepresent) historical realities? 1 Begin by explaining that in this lesson students will examine a figure in women's history through the lens of filmmaking, producing a screenplay based on an autobiographical narrative and their own research into the time period in which that autobiography is set. 2 Introduce students to the filmmaking process with a visit to the Cinema exhibit at the Learner.Org website, accessible through EDSITEment. Here students can learn how the screenwriter, director, producer, actors, and editing team collaborate to create a finished film. Guide students through the exhibit or have them read through it on their own, focusing on the role played by the screenwriter and director. If time permits, students can also try their hand at writing a scene with an online activity. 3 Divide the class into small study teams of three or four students, and have each team choose one of the autobiographical narratives listed below as the basis for their film script. (Note that these autobiographies range from full-length books (Fremont and Tubman) to chapter-length extracts.)