Community Engagement Lifelong Learning Spring 2026: Film Series

Explore the art of cinema through the lens of legendary directors John Ford and Akira Kurosawa—join Lake Forest College for this exciting new community engagement series.

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.

Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but full attendance is not required.