Film Screenings at IWD 2010

All films (except "Pray the Devil Back to Hell") will be shown in Room 323 with brief discussion following.

10:30 AM          Three short films from the Minnesota History Center’s “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation” exhibit:

“Rosalie Wahl:  A Vision for a Better World”

Traces the life of Rosalie Wahl from her humble beginnings in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Kansas to her groundbreaking appointment to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Particular focus is placed on the evolution of her social consciousness.

“Marianne Hamilton: A Voice of Peace”

Marianne Hamilton exemplified Minnesota’s activist spirit in the 20th century. Archival footage helps Marianne recount her amazing struggles, including leading the GI Wives Club during World War II, venturing to Hanoi for peace during the Vietnam War, and ultimately co-creating Women Against Military Madness in defiance of the Cold War.

“First Lady of Minnesota: Mrs. Jane Freeman”

Nothing is more befitting the life and legacy of Mrs. Jane Freeman than the saying, "behind every great man is a great woman." Orville Freeman served three terms as Minnesota's 29th Governor, and standing by his side was his equally engaged and politically active wife, Jane. This short film serves as a tribute to her, and all the women of her generation who worked to make this country what it is today. 

11:25 AM          “No Means No” by Asian Media Access (creators present for discussion)

In this short animation, the youth portray situations that most Hmong teenagers deal with on an everyday basis, from peer pressure to the stress of living up to expectations.  The video uses a dramatic case to illustrate various ways that sexual violence is dealt with in the community.  The youth participated in script writing, animation, and providing the voice, personality and dimensions of the characters.

12:05 PM          “Water First” by Amy Hart (filmmaker present for discussion)

When young girls have to spend their days hauling water they have little time for school studies. Clean water and access to basic sanitation are essential for them to attend school. 

1:00 PM            “From Risk to Action” by Dorothy Fadiman    

                        Nearly 60% of HIV+ individuals in Ethiopia are women. Gender bias and the biology of transmission make women more vulnerable to infection. Poverty, lack of access to education, and violence against women increase their risk. This film profiles the connection between gender and HIV/AIDS, as well as the work of leaders in education and policy change to improve the status of women.

1:55 PM            “Woman by Woman” by Dorothy Fadiman    

“Woman by Woman” documents progressive change for women in some of the least developed villages of India. Vivid images portray the humanity of the people, the beauty of the countryside, as well as the toll of centuries of poverty. In the film we meet women who are coming out of seclusion in order to serve in their communities. The film documents the work of one of the non-profit groups in India working to improve the status of Indian village women and men by making family planning resources and information widely available. 

2:45 PM            “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” – Closing event in Great Hall

Pray the Devil Back to Hell chronicles the remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Keynote speaker Leymah Gbowee is one of the Liberian women leaders featured in the film.

Thousands of women — ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim — came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country’s civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about a agreement during the stalled peace talks.

A story of sacrifice, unity and transcendence, Pray the Devil Back to Hell honors the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations.