Community Corner
Family of Woman Film Fest Comes to Wilmette Theatre
The Family of Woman Film Festival will make its inaugural
debut at the Wilmette Theatre over the weekend of April 11 - 13th. Established
in Sun Valley, Idaho in 2008, the Festival features films that raise awareness
of important issues facing women here and abroad. This year’s series of films
were specifically chosen for screening at the Wilmette Theatre by the
Festival’s founder, Peggy Elliott Goldwyn.
Goldwyn has been immersed in the film industry for decades,
including 20 years as vice-president of the Samuel Goldwyn Company. In recent
years, Goldwyn has become closely involved with the United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA). The Film Festival supports the UNFPA, which provides health care
for and promotes the rights of women in more than 150 countries.
Three feature-length documentaries will be screened at the
Wilmette Theatre:
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“A Walk to Beautiful,” 8pm, Friday, April 11th - This Emmy
award-winning documentary follows the lives of five Ethiopian women who endured
and overcame obstetric fistula, a life-shattering injury caused during
childbirth. As a result of her work on this project, filmmaker Allison Shigo
began a new career path and founded the not-for-profit, Healing Hands of Joy.
Filmmaker Allison Shigo will participate in a Q&A
session following the film.
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“Salaam Dunk,” 7pm, Saturday, April 12th - Seattle educator
Ryan Bubalo was seeking adventure when he accepted a position as an English
language teacher for the American University in Iraq. He’d never coached a
sports team before and, therefore, was surprised to learn that his duties at
the University would include coaching the woman’s basketball team. This film
follows Bubalo and his Iraqi team during their first year together as they
discover what it means to be athletes and friends in the difficult political,
economic, cultural and ethnic/sectarian divide.
Coach Ryan Bubalo and team captain, Yousra Kamoona will
participate in a Q&A session following the film.
“Anita: Speaking Truth to Power,” 2pm, Sunday, April 13th - A feature
documentary by Academy-Award-winning director Freida Mock, tells the harrowing
and inspiring story of Anita Hill, the elegant, dignified African-American
woman who charged Supreme-Court nominee Clarence Thomas with sexual harassment
in 1991 Senate hearings. The hearings were pure, raw, gripping theater, watched
by millions on national television: a struggle between a man with everything to
gain and a woman with everything to lose. The event brought sexual politics
into the national consciousness, and empowered Anita Hill’s fight for social
justice.
A panel discussion will follow featuring Peggy Elliott
Goldwyn, former CBS2 News Anchor Linda MacLennan, former NBC5 News Anchor Joan
Esposito and special guests TBA.
For the latest information and to purchase tickets ($10 per
film), please visit the website: www.wilmettetheatre.com
Thank you to the event sponsors: The Frances E. Streit
Foundation, de Giulio Kitchen Design, PUBLIC Chicago, Northwestern University
Women's Center, GlobalGirl Media Chicago Media Sponsor Partner.
About The Family of Woman Film Festival:
The Sun Valley, Idaho-based Family of Woman Film Festival was established seven years ago by Peggy Elliott Goldwyn. Its goal is to support the work of the United Nations Population Fund and to raise awareness about serious issues affecting the lives of women worldwide. This is the Festival’s inaugural appearance at the Wilmette Theatre.
About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA):
Founded in 1969, UNFPA is on the ground, improving lives, in more than 150 countries. Priority is placed on reaching those with the greatest needs, whether it be related to poverty, marginalization, age, sex, ethnicity or health.
About The Wilmette Theatre:
The not-for-profit Wilmette Theater is the premiere
multi-arts and performance center anchoring the downtown Wilmette business
district by providing vibrant entertainment, education and enrichment for the
community. 1122 Central Avenue,
Wilmette, IL, 60091. www.wilmettetheatre.com
| 847-251-7424.
Community sponsor: North Shore Community Bank
Centennial Media sponsor: Make it Better
About Peggy Elliott Goldwyn:
Peggy Elliott Goldwyn began her career as a writer for
situation comedy television shows including ”That Girl,” “The Odd Couple,”
“Happy Days” and others. She’s written and directed documentaries, is a
published author and blogs for The Huffington Post. Her children are also
actively involved in the film industry: Tony stars in the TV series, “Scandal,”
and Peter has just released the film “Anita.”