AAUW Dialog

On Friday, October 23, I had the pleasure of representing AAUW at the Real Girls, Reel Change workshop in New York City. I got to meet with women filmmakers who have made or are currently finishing films about a variety of issues that affect women and girls. It was an empowering experience to be surrounded by these women who advocate for important issues and to be able to speak with the filmmakers.

The workshop, sponsored by Working Films, The Fledgling Fund, and Chicken & Egg Pictures, was intended to help these filmmakers reach out to organizations and get their work incorporated into ongoing (and possibly future) public engagement initiatives.

The films highlighted during the workshop included

Body Typed by Jesse Epstein and Trish Dalton
Body Typed is a series of three short films about the perpetuation of the idealized beauty image, including photo retouching, creation of mannequins, and plastic surgery.

Going on 13 by Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Dawn Valadez
This film follows four girls on their journey from childhood to adolescence. It’s a film about what’s happening right now for young girls and teens.

It’s Not About Sex by Jessica Cele and other youth producers from the Educational Video Center, advised by Miriam Neptune
This film addresses the pervasiveness of sexual assault and looks to the root of the violence.

Saving Jackie by S. A. Burks
This short documentary looks at how addiction and abuse can affect families. It is a story of the filmmaker’s damaged relationship with her mother and the reconciliation process.

Seneca Falls by Louise Vance
This film follows a group of teenage girls who attend the 150th anniversary celebration of the first women’s rights convention at Seneca Falls. It highlights the need for more women’s history education.

Wo Ai Ni Mommy by Stephanie Wang-Breal
This documentary focuses on the issues surrounding international adoption, particularly Chinese adoption, and on increasing cultural awareness.

These projects are all powerful and unique. I hope you will take the time to watch these films and start a conversation about the questions they raise. I also think it’s pretty neat to be supporting women filmmakers who are striving for a better life experience for women and girls everywhere.