Free Public Screening of the film Miss Representation

Submitted by Karen Johnston

The movie focuses on Hollywood’s role in the exploitation of women and the media’s role in setting specific standards for girls.

Palo Alto, California:
The Palo Alto community is invited to a free public screening of Miss Representation, a searing documentary directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, actress, activist, and filmmaker. The screening will be at Gunn High School in Palo Alto on April 19, 2012. Recently featured at the San Francisco International Film Festival, the film is an examination of Hollywood's exploitation of women, and the media's role in setting a physical/sexual standard for girls, as opposed to an intellectual standard. The film encourages an examination of the media's portrayal of women, which may lead to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and leadership and critically examines recent episodes of public prejudice against women of influence (Hilary Clinton, Sarah Palin). The film includes candid interviews with such people as Jane Fonda, Geena Davis, Condoleezza Rice, Margaret Cho and Nancy Pelosi.

The film is a powerful advocacy for a more balanced portrayal of women in the media, and men and women are both encouraged to attend. The content may not be suitable for children under 14 years.

The following local organizations will be on hand to share information about opportunities in the community to help empower young people to overcome the effects of negative gender portrayals in the media:

About--‐Face, based in San Francisco, California (USA), equips women and girls with tools to understand and resist harmful media messages that affect their self--‐esteem and body image. Through workshops, the organization imbues girls and women with the power to free themselves from the burden of body--‐image problems so they will be capable of fulfilling their varied and wondrous potentials.

Girls For A Change (GFC) is a national organization that empowers girls to create social change. They invite young women to design, lead, fund and implement social change projects that tackle issues girls face in their own neighborhoods. The program inspires girls to have the voice, ability and problem solving capacity to speak up, be decision makers, create visionary change and realize their full potential.

YWCA of Silicon Valley is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Every year, more than 18,000 individuals turn to the YWCA of Silicon Valley to benefit from its compelling vision of what life should be like for the women and families of ourcommunity!

Details:
� Thursday, April 19, in Spangenberg Auditorium at Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road Palo Alto CA 94306

� Doors open at 6:15pm, screening begins at 6:45pm, followed by a discussion with community leaders.

� Admission is Free

� Ample free parking

� For more information contact Trinity Klein, Assistant Principal, Gunn High School 415-505-3666