Animation Frontiers
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Instructor: Andrew Owen, Ph.D., Lebanon Valley College
Mamoru Oshii’s animated masterwork is a landmark of science fiction, a direct influence on such genre classics as The Matrix franchise and James Cameron’s Avatar series. It depicts a world where cybernetic augmentation is used to evolve the human beyond any form of natural capability, while perpetual connection to a constantly evolving information network ensures a ceaseless barrage of data informing all perceptions of reality. However, this has led to cerebral hacking, utilizing the network to control others, distort concepts of reality, and reduce individuals to the status of puppet—vessels to be manipulated by those that regulate the information flow.
Thrilling, profound, and prescient, Ghost in the Shell (1995) explores humanity’s paradoxical relationship with the technology it compulsively creates—at once using such advancement to attain dominion over the confines of natural existence while simultaneously becoming increasingly enslaved to its Faustian promise.
This seminar will discuss the film’s impact on genre filmmaking in the twenty-first century, exploring its warnings concerning the impact of technological innovation, the advent of the internet, media propaganda, and the creation of artificial intelligence.
Are you interested in “just” seeing this movie? Visit the public screening page here.
Cinema Classics Seminars offer an entertaining and engaging way to learn more about some of the true classics of world cinema. All students receive an introductory lecture before the film and a guided discussion after the film. In addition, those in attendance receive a ticket to see it on the big screen, as well as popcorn and a drink. Please note: the screening associated with this seminar will be open to the public, as well.
Please contact BMFI Programs and Education Manager Jill Malcolm with any questions.
$30 for members, $40 for non-members
Schedule