October 21, 2005 Source: St. Francis Xavier University:
http://www.stfx.ca/media/10_2005.htm#wfilmfestival Notable Canadian filmmaker to attend Women's Film Festival ANTIGONISH, NS --- The St. Francis Xavier University's Women's Studies Program presents the seventh annual Women's Film Festival over three days from Oct. 26-28, 2005. A highlight of this year's festival will be the attendance of Sophie Bissonnette, the longtime and much admired Canadian documentary filmmaker who will present her film, A Score for Women's Voices: A March to Change the World, to be screened Thursday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 pm in Nicholson Hall B33. This inspirational film examines the 2000 World March of Women which was recently commemorated in Antigonish. A reception will follow the film in Nicholson Hall 6th floor. "The goal of the Women's Film Festival is to bring films by and about women to the StFX campus and the community of Antigonish," says Dr. Nancy Forestell, coordinator of the Women's Studies Program. "When we choose films we try to select topics and filmmakers who challenge cultural stereotypes about women, and show the diversity of women's experiences across the globe. This year we feature films about Muslim women in Pakistan, Orthdox Jewish women in Israel, tomboys, the female private detective and others. We also include a film which explores how women participated in an unprecedented global march to end poverty and violence." The public is invited and all film screenings are free of charge.
Schedule of Films:
Wednesday, October 26 7:30 pm NHB33
Porcelain Pussy (2004, Canada)
Director: Denise Blinn
Starring Antigonish actress, Shauna MacDonald, this short film spoofs the mystery and crime movies of the '40s and '50s with a gender-bending twist: in this noir world women wear the pants and solve the crimes and all the good-looking broads are men.
and
Silent Waters (2003, Pakistan)
Director: Sabiha Sumar
Set in Pakistan in l979 when the military took control of the country and Islamic nationalism emerged as a potent political force. Silent Waters explores the life of a widow, Ayesha, who teaches the Koran to young girls and invests her hopes in her beloved son Saleem. But when Saleem takes up with a group of Islamic fundamentalists, Ayesha's haunted past turn her present life upside down.
Thursday, October 27 7:30 pm NH B33
A Score for Women's Voices (2002, Canada)
and Public Presentation by the Director, Sophie Bissonnette
Between March and October of 2000, millions of women from 161 countries took to the streets to denounce poverty and violence against women. The March of Women was an initiative of the Quebec Federation of Women. Director Sophie Bissonnette invited filmmakers from Senegal, Australia, India, and Ecuador to film the marches in their own countries as well as one innovative project. The result is a fast paced roller coaster ride around the world that demonstrates the range of challenges facing women across the globe as well as their ability to make positive social change. (86 minutes)
Friday, October 28 2:15 pm NH B33
Keep Not Silent: Ortho-Dykes (2004, Israel)
Director: Ilel Alexander
Winner of an Israeli Oscar for Best Documentary, Illil Alexander's stunning debut boldly documents the clandestine struggle for three women fight for their right to love within their Orthodoox communities in Jerusalem. All three are pious, religiously committed women. All three are lesbians, and members of secret support group called the "Ortho-dykes." (52 minutes)
and
Tomboys! Feisty Girls and Spirited Women (2004, United States)
Directors: Julie Akeret and Christian McEwen
Are tomboys tamed once they grow up? This lively and inspiring documentary explodes that archaic myth with the stories of spirited and proud tomboys of all ages. Interviews are intercut with personal photographs and archival footage to explore the myriad ways gender identity is constructed from a very young age. (28 minutes)
Friday, October 28 7:30 pm NH B33
Look at Me (2005, France)
Director: Agnes Jaoui
Set in a middle-class Parisian milieu, Look at Me delves into the life of a teenager, who appears to be angry not only with herself but also the rest of the universe. She thinks she's too fat, too plain, and simply won't pass muster on any of the counts that matter. Worse, her father barely acknowledges her existence. "A witty and accurate examination of friendship, ambition and betrayal." New York Times (110 minutes)
|
