Date and Time
Thursday May 21, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM CDT
May 21, 28, June 4, 11, and 18
Thursdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location
Lake Forest College
555 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045
Contact Information
Office of Community Engagement
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Description
Explore the art of cinema through the lens of legendary directors John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—join Lake Forest College professor Dr. Janet McCracken for this exciting new community engagement series.
Registration fee: $250 for the five-week series
Registration deadline: Thursday, May 14
Course times: Thursday evenings, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Course dates: May 21, May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18
It’s hard to find a director that hasn’t been influenced by John Ford, whose classics like Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956) helped define the look and feel of American cinema. Across the globe, Akira Kurosawa was creating equally important and influential works such as Rashomom (1950) and Seven Samurai (1954)—films that continue to inspire directors today.
Held at the newly renovated Glen Rowan House, this five-week course will explore the art of filmmaking through selected works by these two titans of the film medium, and discover how movies communicate emotion, ideas, and meaning through images—and why their films still matter today. The opening and closing sessions will begin with a social reception featuring food and refreshments.
Both the educational content and social receptions will offer opportunities to build community, engage with College leadership, and learn more about ongoing campus initiatives.
Register for this course by clicking HERE
Visit the Community Engagement website by clicking HERE
Registration is required to attend. Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but full attendance is not required.
