Out of the Past: ‘Women of Desire, Myth, and Power’
Kent MOMI presents a lineup of unforgettable women—rebels, lovers, warriors, and icons—who challenge expectations, redefine power, and rewrite their own myths. From sultry femme fatales to cross-dressing queens, these films celebrate the electrifying presence of women who refuse to be tamed.
Known as the ultimate screen siren after Gilda (1946), Rita Hayworth stunned audiences when she dyed her iconic red hair platinum, cut it short and took on this darker, more ambiguous role.
Directed by then-husband Orson Welles (just as their marriage was beginning to fall apart), the film, where nothing is what it seems, twists through a surreal web of betrayal, class, desire, and disillusionment, culminating in the still-influential hall-of-mirrors scene—one of the most striking visual metaphors for the fractured identities and illusions women are forced to embody. The Lady from Shanghai doesn't just feature a femme fatale—it deconstructs her, turning her into something far more enigmatic. With its moody cinematography and legendary finale, this noir classic is a mesmerizing portrait of a woman as both fantasy and nightmare. [Running time 1hr 32min]
Doors open 5.30, for drinks, nibbles & classic cocktails. Film starts 6.30 with a brief introduction from Dr. Natasha.