Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood star and inventor in the focus of women's films!

Hedy Lamarr: Hollywood star and inventor in the focus of women's films!

A special event took place at the Technical University of Dresden on March 7, 2025. On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Diversity Management at TU Dresden organized a film evening in the Kino im Kasten, where the documentary “Geniale Göttin – The Story of Hedy Lamarr” was shown. The film is dedicated to the life of the extraordinary Hedy Lamarr, who became known not only as a Hollywood star but also as a brilliant scientist. The event began at 7 p.m. and offered participants the opportunity to gain an insight into Lamarr's pioneering work in the field of mobile communications technology.

Hedy Lamarr, born Hedwig Kiesler on November 9, 1914 in Vienna, was often referred to as the “most beautiful woman in the world.” But behind this glamorous facade lies an impressive career as an inventor. Together with the composer George Antheil, she developed an interference-proof telecommunications system based on frequency hopping. This method constantly changed frequencies and laid the foundation for many modern technologies, including GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. What is particularly tragic is that Lamarr's invention was initially rejected by the American Navy and only received the necessary recognition shortly before her death.

An evening of inspiration

Director Alexandra Dean and producer Adam Haggiag helm the film, which not only highlights Lamarr's life, but also the challenges women face in science. Particular focus was on the premiere of the new film “Research, Inspire, Teach: Professors at TU Dresden”, which presents female scientists and their research. After the film screening, guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network.

This event was open to anyone interested and no registration was required. Admission was free and the film was shown in the original language (English) with subtitles. Accessibility was guaranteed, the cinema was barrier-free and subtitles were available to all viewers.

The late recognition of a genius

Although Hedy Lamarr made major contributions to technology, her invention only received the recognition it deserved posthumously. In 1997 she was awarded the Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award and in 1998 she received the Austrian Inventor Prize. Hedy Lamarr died on January 19, 2000 at the age of 86. Her birthday, November 9th, is celebrated in many countries as “Inventor Day,” honoring her visionary spirit.

With this event, the TU Dresden highlights the importance of women like Hedy Lamarr in science and technology and invites you to reflect on the countless contributions of women scientists today.