OU film festival to challenge disparaging portrayal of women and girls
The Women and Gender Studies Program at Oakland University will screen the documentary film "Miss Representation" as the feature presentation of its 28th Annual Film Festival on Saturday, March 24.
The film, written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. It also scrutinizes the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for average woman to feel powerful themselves.
With stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with prominent public figures including Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem, "Miss Representation" challenges societal messages suggesting that a woman's value and power lies in her youth, beauty and sexuality.
Parents are advised that the film contains strong language describing women, as well as photos and clips presenting women in sexual or sexualized situations.
Following presentation of the film, Oakland University Health Sciences Professor Patricia Wren will lead a panel discussion that will expand on the themes and ideas it presents. Additional panelists will include:
Kathy Battles, an OU assistant professor of communication and journalism, and an expert on the role of broadcasting in the creation of cultural discourses and norms;
Ann Blessman, a socially active, 15-year-old sophomore at Royal Oak High School and aspiring lawyer;
Rochelle Riley, a prominent newspaper columnist, blogger and public speaker on social, political and cultural issues, as well as CEO of Church Street Media;
State Senator Gretchen Whitmer, an attorney and communications specialist who became the first woman to lead a caucus in the Michigan Senate.
The film festival also will feature a free Empowerment Expo showcasing a variety of community organizations working to empower girls and support and mentor women.
The film festival will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. in 201 Dodge Hall on the campus of Oakland University. Interactive and printable maps are available at oakland.edu/map. Although the event is free, donations will be accepted from those interested in supporting the academic mission of the Women and Gender Studies Program.
For additional information on the film festival, contact Oakland University Professor Lizabeth Barclay at barclay@oakland.edu.
The film, written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
Created by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Modified by Katherine Land - Deleted (land@oakland.edu) on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 Article Start Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2012
