Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.
There will be a local screening of Miss Representation on March 8 at the Bonnington Arts Centre at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. This film is free for anyone wishing to attend and is being shown in recognition of International Women’s Day. There will be a delightful array of snacks, desserts and beverages provided at no cost. After the screening, there will be community/panel discussion led by Carlee Hughes and Debbie Pitaoulis.
Miss Representation includes stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists, and academics like Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Condoleezza Rice, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Katz, Jean Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem. The film offers startling facts and statistics to leave audiences shaken and armed with a new perspective.
“I made Miss Representation because we live in a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, and the collective message the media sends to our young women and men is that a woman’s value lies in her youth, beauty, and sexuality, and not in her capacity as a leader,” Newsom said. “I wanted to shed a light on this problem because if we don’t question that thinking and work to change it, we are going to continue to be marginalized.”
In response to overwhelming public demand for ongoing education and social action in support of the film’s message, Newsom founded the organization that has become The Representation Project in April 2011. Using film as a catalyst for cultural transformation, The Representation Project inspires individuals and communities to challenge and overcome limiting gender stereotypes so that everyone, regardless of gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation or circumstance can fulfill their potential. Take the pledge and join The Representation Project’s movement at www.therepresentationproject.org.
For more information about screenings, please contact Jessica Lee at Jessica@therepresentationproject.org. If you would like to attend the event in, please contact Carlee Hughes 250-265-3674 ext.205.