The women of silent film were far from silent, and a new documentary, Breaking Plates, is determined to prove it. Directed by Karen Pearlman, the film arrives at Cinema Village on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as part of the 13th edition of the Socially Relevant Film Festival New York, offering a fresh look at the rebellious spirit and choreographic ingenuity of early cinema.
Pearlman, a former dancer with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, draws inspiration from the “brazen women of Pre-Code movies” – films made before the strict censorship guidelines of 1934. She noticed that “Before narrative conventions were ironclad, there were so many more ways to behave,” a sentiment that fueled her exploration of the often-overlooked contributions of women in the silent era. Breaking Plates isn’t simply a historical recounting. it’s an active re-engagement with these cinematic pioneers.
The film blends documentary footage, comedy, dance, and inquiry to challenge modern perceptions. Pearlman describes the process as “putting early films on the screen, and then we talk to the characters in them, reanimate their antics, and emulate their mayhem moves.” This involves physically embodying the physicality of these early performers, battling “haywire machines, exploding gags, and eruptive bodies” to understand how humor can be used as a tool against restrictive structures.
Breaking Plates playfully juxtaposes the “wild and unbridled” women of silent films with contemporary dancers, prompting reflection on what Pearlman asks: “What happened to our revolution?” The film’s subtext is powerfully subversive, suggesting that “violating realism is a victimless crime!” Adding to the playful dynamic is Australian producer/actor Richard James Allen, who appears in the film as a Chaplin-esque figure, complete with an exaggerated mustache.
The film’s experimental structure aligns with the Socially Relevant Film Festival’s mission to promote positive change. It’s designed to provoke action, to encourage audiences to “shock someone, break plates, declare the end of one era and the beginning of another.” Beyond its social commentary, Breaking Plates also serves as a reminder to dancers of the choreographic brilliance inherent in silent films. While recent attention has been given to innovators like Loie Fuller – as seen in films like “Obsessed with Light” – Pearlman’s film uniquely encourages exploration of early cinema’s spontaneity and freedom as inspiration for contemporary choreography.
Following its premiere at the festival, Breaking Plates will be available online starting March 16, 2026, through the Socially Relevant Film Festival website. The festival will also feature The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine, directed by Jonathan Maricle and Joan Finn and produced by Julie Meyer for Adrenaline Films, a poignant documentary highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian artists amidst the ongoing conflict. The film details how Russian forces have targeted cultural institutions, but the dancers, like prima ballerina Khrystyna Shyshpor, refuse to surrender, asking a powerful question: “If everyone leaves, who will stay and dance?”
Breaking Plates offers a compelling invitation to revisit the often-overlooked contributions of women in silent film, prompting audiences to consider the evolution of cinematic expression and the enduring power of rebellion. The film’s unique blend of documentary, comedy, and dance promises a thought-provoking and entertaining experience for festival attendees and online viewers alike.
What will audiences take away from this playful yet poignant exploration of cinematic history? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
