Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn
A panel discussion with filmmaker Sheila Hayman, musicologist Marcia Citron, and DaCamera artistic director Sarah Rothenberg follows the film.
This fascinating documentary illuminates the life and talent of a remarkable composer—Fanny Mendelssohn. Born in 1800s Berlin, she was hindered by societal constraints on women and overshadowed by her brother Felix, so her accomplishments were little known until feminist scholars discovered her. The new film Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn—directed by the composer’s great-great-great granddaughter, BAFTA-winning filmmaker Sheila Hayman—paints a vivid portrait of a musical legacy.
Copresented by DaCamera, whose current season presents pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason making her Houston debut on February 24 in a recital featuring Fanny Mendelssohn’s “Easter” Sonata. Visit dacamera.com for details.
Underwriting for the Film Department is provided by Tenaris, The June Leaf and Robert Frank Foundation, and the Vaughn Foundation.
Generous funding is provided by The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Lois Chiles; Foundation for Independent Media Arts; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
Fanny: The Other Mendelssohn
Directed by Sheila Hayman
(UK, 2023, 101 minutes, in English)
Brown Auditorium Theater, digital