Women's studies brings directors to speak at informative film series

RYAN TAUGHRIN
Arts Editor

The Women Take Aim film series has successfully brought current feminist issues to the forefront for audiences since its creation in 1999 by Adrienne McCormick.

This year McCormick, the Women's Studies Director Ingrid Johnston-Robledo and TV and digital film professor Nefin Dinc are hoping to quell the questions audience members may have about the films.

Filmmakers Buthina Canaan Khoury, Elle Flanders and Giovanna Chesler will be present for the viewing of their films and will discuss their cinematic decisions following the presentations.

"This will add tremendously to the viewings. The ability to discuss its mechanics, what it is like to make and how audiences around the globe have received the film adds another dimension to the viewing," McCormick said.

Previous film series have been highlighted by specific themes including sexuality and violence. The 2007 series reached out to the campus community for ideas and inspiration. Diversity in film selection was a goal this year, explained Johnston-Robledo.

Opening up the series is a film that tackles feminist and homosexual issues. Directed by Elle Flanders, Zero Degrees of Separation looks at "the Palestinian occupation through the eyes of mixed Palestinian gay and lesbian couples," as stated on graphicpictures. com, the film's Web site.

In an interview with alibi.com, Flanders discussed the current reaction to the film, along with how this specific conflict carries a broader theme.

"Regardless of whether or not I am talking about what it means to be gay in Palestine and Israel or whether I am just showing characters that are queer from Palestine and Israel my feeling is that you need to have more information, especially as Americans," Flanders stated.

Matching Flanders' outlook is Johnston-Robledo who said, "These issues are not limited to women. Culture, government, health care, sexuality and history are issues related to all films and genders."

Conflict throughout the Israeli-Palestinian region effects women of any sexual preference.

The series continues on Nov. 6 with Maria's Grotto, a documentary that Khoury, an independent filmmaker from Palestine created with the hope of revealing the defecating act known as honor killing.

"There are several justifications for producing this documentary," Khoury states. "First, being a Palestinian woman and independent filmmaker born and raised in Palestine. I always cared for covering sensitive women's issues. It is not a rebellion against the Arab Palestinian culture but it is an attempt to modify a wrongful act that has been practiced against women since childhood."

(Period): The End of Menstruation is the final film in the series and covers a topic that effects all women, regardless of race, creed or sexual preference. Director Giovanna Chelser scrutinizes the controversial hormonal birth control prevention market and its frightening side effects.

"Period leaves the viewer with a strong sense that not all women are about to cede this authority to their doctors, the drug companies or the media. Post-screening discussions have suggested the same thing. Women want to talk about the experience of menstruation and this even-handed documentary is the perfect invitation to do so," states Executive Director of Sexual Health Access Laura Wershler in her review of the documentary.

The striking contrast in issues and content between these films allows for multiple audiences to appreciate each director's work. They also help the community grasp the ideas presented by the growing Women's Studies program, explained Johnston-Robledo. Adding input and discussion involving those who created the films produces a full experience for those in attendance.

"The measure of success does not come from packing a room. It comes from the conversation about the films that are shown," McCormick said.

"This year's twist on the Women Take Aim film series is a progression on the series. As Fredonia's Women's Studies program continues to grow, the program seems to be doing more exciting events. I cannot wait to see what positive changes are to come in the future," said junior women's studies and English major and president of Women's Student Union Alyssa Brooke-Gay.

Each film will start at 7:30 p.m. in Fenton Hall, room 105. More information is available by contacting the Women's Studies department or checking the campus calendar.