Another unique event is on the slate at West Seattle’s historic Admiral Theater. The Admiral will team with Women In Film/Seattle on April 19th for a tribute to film pioneer Nell Shipman. That night, The Admiral will show two of Shipman’s silent films – accompanied live by organist Dennis James, and with part of the proceeds benefiting animal charities, including a drive for donated items:

On April 19th, 2010, Women in Film/Seattle, and West Seattle’s Historic Admiral Theater partner to pay homage to two films by Northwest bred cinema pioneer, Nell Shipman. The “Kathryn Bigelow of her time,” Shipman is one of the first women who wrote, produced, and starred in many of her own productions. She became one of the first female directors in 1914, and by the ’20s, she had set up her own production company where she specialized in outdoor adventure films involving an assortment of wild animals including skunks, raccoons, wolves, and bears. Her films featured the outdoors; on-location shooting that would later become her trademark as a filmmaker. Shipman played a role that would occur throughout her film career: a strong, resourceful female who came through to save the day.

The announcement continues after the jump:

This will also mark the premiere performance at the Admiral of the renowned revivalist musician of live silent film accompaniment, Dennis James. James’ performance is sponsored through a grant by the Packard Humanities, Institute. James has specially orchestrated scores for the two films that will screen; Something New, 1920 – and the 1921 classic, A Bear, a Boy, and a Dog, which co-star Nell’s dog Laddie and her bear, Brownie.

For more than forty years, Dennis James has played a pivotal role in the international revival of silent films with live music and has dedicated his career to the continuation of the theatrical traditions of organ performance with symphony orchestras, opera, and ballet and theatrical companies and furthering public interest in theater pipe organs. His professional music career began with a debut performance at the 1967 Detroit National American Theatre Organ Society convention.

“He’s not only a fabulous organist; he brings a wealth of knowledge. He really brings people into the silent movies in a unique way.” — Tom Iovanne, Executive Director, Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia

Nell Shipman was known for her love of animals. She had a personal zoo with approximately 100 animals, including several wild animals. A pioneer in animal rights, Nell Shipman fought for the defense and good treatment of animals on film sets. It is only fitting that because of her love and advocacy of animals; part of the evening’s proceeds will go to the Humane Society. Here is a list of things they need;

* Fleece Blankets (Kennels)
* Medium, Large and Extra Large Dog Crates (Dog Foster Program)
* Gently used Bath Towels and Wash Cloths (Adoption)
* Natural Balance dog food rolls
* Gentle Leaders
* Easy-Walk Harnesses
* Non-expired medications especially Rimadyl (Pet Project)
* Gift Cards to Petsmart or Petco (All Animal Services)
* Wiring and installation of a sound system so we can play classical music to calm the animals.

Seattle’s Humane Society is currently working with Seattle’s Animal Control who will be shutting down in June. They have plans to pick up the slack in their attempt to treat all animals humanely with a goal of finding them all good homes.

Additional proceeds from ticket sales will help Women in Film/Seattle fund its Professional “Get ‘er Done” Grant. WIF/Seattle is a 501c3 non-profit professional organization advancing, supporting, and mentoring women in the film, video and new media industries.

Admission for the event is $12, $9 for seniors over 60, and children under twelve, through Brown Paper tickets. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/107048

WIF will host a reception at 6 PM upstairs in the Admiral Theater’s Crow’s Nest Lounge. Screenings begin: 7 PM