Born in Flames

A feminist sci-fi cult classic, Born in Flames is set on the 10th anniversary of a socialist revolution in America, but whereas Eisenstein’s October celebrated the decennial of 1917 by striking a note of triumph, Borden’s film imagines a world in which the promises of a new society have yet to be fulfilled. We hear reports of riots erupting across the city as party organs preach incrementalism and state authorities closely surveil counterrevolutionary activity. Meanwhile an underground network known as the Women’s Army has reclaimed the streets from rapists through collectively organized vigilante justice, and pirate radio stations decry still-rampant racism and sexism, broadcasting messages to female comrades about the uprisings to come. Propelled by a driving post-punk soundtrack and featuring a nonprofessional cast Borden hoped would reflect the movie’s prospective audience, Born in Flames remains a thrilling and timely allegory of rebellion, ready to set a new generation ablaze. Preserved by Anthology Film Archives with restoration funding from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and The Film Foundation.