by Kimberly Fleming on 2013-10-24
Esri hosted a screening of “Girl Rising” to a crowd of dozens, shedding light on the daily life struggles of women and girls around the world in an eye-opening documentary that highlights female oppression in various forms.
Set in nine countries, the stories of nine girls are narrated by nine different narrators in the effort to shed light on their daily lives and their struggles with early marriage, sexual assault, lack of education and poverty.
Professor Leela MadhavaRau, serving as advisor to the President and Associate Dean for Campus Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Redlands, wanted to bring the film to a local audience. In a statement, she said, “We believe in the power of education to change not only a girl, but the world. By hosting a screening of ‘Girl Rising’ in Redlands, we are demonstrating our commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent girls around the world from going to school—barriers like child marriage, sex trafficking, gender violence and discrimination. We are proud to be part of this growing movement, raising visibility in Redlands alongside thousands of other events worldwide.”
One of the stories discussed in the documentary follows the life of Senna, of Peru, who escapes her poverty-stricken life through poetry. Documentary watchers also meet Ruksana, of India, who drew her worries away, escaping into the world of color and paintings; and Marioma, of Sierra Leone, whose mother married her uncle after the death of her father due to cultural mores that dictate that a brother assume the familial responsibilities of his brother should he die.
Jennifer Ares and her daughter Alina shared that they walked away from the film screening feeling more appreciative for what they have in life. Jennifer’s friend, Tysa, and her daughter Chelsea, who accompanied them to the film’s debut, stated that the film “makes you think about how we should really be thankful for what we have.”
[END]
When & Where
Free Admission
Tuesday, October 15
Esri Conference Center
380 New York St., Redlands, CA 92373
5:30 p.m.
Girl Rising Comes to Redlands
See this groundbreaking film on the importance of empowering girls.
Meet nine extraordinary girls from nine different countries in the new film Girl Rising.
You'll be transported to Nepal, Cambodia, and Egypt and around the globe. You'll witness firsthand the struggles of these girls as they aim to get the one thing that is most important to their success -- an education.
With voice performances by Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, and many others, Girl Rising will take you on an amazing journey.
You won't want to miss this unique film experience.
Space is limited, so register today.
Original article:
Girl Rising makes its film debut in Redlands hosted by Esri and University of Redlands.
Girl Rising is an eye-opening documentary about oppressed little girls around the world who are being subjected to mediocre standards of life under the thumb of the men in their lives. The film takes place all over the world and guides us through places such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Beautiful and young girls tell us their stories of oppression and their everyday lives that may include early marriage, sexual assaults, no education, poverty, and religious faith. The documentary should become mandatory in America for all young girls to see so that they could grasp a better understanding of how lucky we are as Americans. Americans have their problems as well however the film makes it clear that the key to ending such conditions are through education which we take for granted for free here at home.
The idea of bringing the film to the local attention of the Redlands community was Professor Leela MadhavaRau, who is serving as Advisor to the President and Associate Dean for Campus Diversity and Inclusion. She was not present at the films debut but however sent a quote stating “We believe in the power of education to change not only a girl, but the world. By hosting a screening of Girl Rising in Redlands, we are demonstrating our commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent girls around the world from going to school barriers like child marriage, sex trafficking, gender violence and discrimination. We are proud to be part of this growing movement, raising visibility in Redlands alongside thousands of other events worldwide.” (Courtesy of Karen Bergh, Director of Public Relations)
The extraordinary stories would be told by many such as Senna from Peru who escapes her poverty-stricken life through poetry. You will also meet Ruksana of India who drew her worries away and escape into the world of coloring and paintings. And Marioma, whose father died when she was young and her mother married her Uncle because in their country of Sierra Leone it was tradition for the brother to take on the responsibilities of the dead brother’s family. The Uncle would bring a second wife into the home as well representing polygamy as part of the culture.
When observing the film as an American one have to remember that not all live the way we do. What we consider poverty lines would be considered a standard way of living in developing countries. The goal of the film is not to judge or make accusations but to be educated about the circumstances. And how we can contribute and lend a helping hand in making a difference in these girls’ lives through volunteering or donations.
Mother-and-daughter group Alina and Jennifer Ares stated they walked away feeling more appreciated for the things they have in life. Jennifer’s friend, Tysa and her daughter Chelsea, who accompanied them to the film’s debut stated how the film “makes you think about how we should really be thankful for what we have.”
Girl Rising is an inspiration, a lesson to be learned and awareness of how we still have a lot of improvement and impressions to make to assure the availability education to every girl born all over the world.