An essential look at the compelling historical events and fictionalised narratives behind this afternoon's feature presentation Dawn.

When the German occupiers in Belgium shot Edith Cavell for treason in 1915 they handed the British and their allies a perfect propaganda opportunity to portray the enemy as brutal and uncivilized. After the war international relations shifted significantly, and cinema took a key role in cementing more friendly relations within Europe and in remembrance activities through battle reconstructions and war stories.

Lawrence Napper's accessible, illustrated talk will consider Herbert Wilcox's extraordinary retelling of Cavell's story in the film Dawn and discuss representations of the Cavell case on film as part of allied propaganda, shining a light on the diplomatic controversy sparked by continuing interest in the case.

Dr Lawrence Napper is a senior lecturer at King's College London who has published widely on British and silent films.

Performing live: Mike Nolan (piano) 1h 30m incl. Q&A.

Screening material courtesy of BFI National Archive

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