Empower Hour

Below is a list of "Empower Hour" opportunities. We will present clips from the movies below and facilitate a discussion on the topics and issues presented. 

 

THE EDUCATION OF SHELBY KNOX (2005)

This film provides a riveting tale of one girl's mission to bring sex education to schools in her ultra-conservative hometown of Lubbock, Texas. In a town filled with religious fervor, sexual ferment, abstinence-only agitators and teenage pregnancy, Shelby struggles with her conflicting values and comes to terms with her own sexuality. In the process, she become an endearing and honest guide tot he national moral morass. Unafraid to tackle pressing, complex questions, the film is supercharged with religion, politics, sex and the cultural warriors and ordinary people who battle over these hot-button issues. 

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

GIRL RISING (2013)

From Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, Girl Rising journeys around the globe to witness the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. Viewers get to know nine unforgettable girls living in the developing world: ordinary girls who confront tremendous challenges and overcome nearly impossible odds to pursue their dreams. Prize-winning authors put the girls' remarkable stories into words, and renowned actors give them voice. 

Description taken from GirlRising.com

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

HALF THE SKY (2012)

Inspired by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book, the documentary series introduces women and girls who are living under some of the most difficult circumstances imaginable - and fighting bravely to change them. The film reflects viable and sustainable options for empowerment and offers an actionable blueprint for transformation.   

Description taken from halftheskymovement.org

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

THE INVISIBLE WAR (2012)

Focusing on the powerfully emotional stories of rape victims, The Invisible War is a moving indictment of the systemic cover-up of military sex crimes, chronicling the women's struggles to rebuild their lives and fight for justice. It also features hard-hitting interviews with high-ranking military officials and members of Congress that reveal the perfect storm to conditions that exist for rape in the military, its long hidden history, and what can be done to bring about much-needed change. 

Description taken from www.notinvisible.org

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

IRON JAWED ANGELS (2004)

Taking a fresh and contemporary look at a pivotal event in American history, IRON JAWED ANGELS tells the true story of how defiant and brilliant young activist Alice Paul, played by Hillary Swank (Boys Don't Cry, Insomnia), and Lucy Burns, played by Frances O'Connor (Windtalkers, Artificial Intelligence: Al), took the women's Suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote. 

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

THE MASK YOU LIVE IN (2015)

The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America's narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the medi, their peer group and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. The gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become "real" men. 

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

MISS REPRESENTATION (2011)

Like drawing back a curtain to let bright light stream in, Miss Representation uncovers a glaring reality we live with every day but fail to see. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the film exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself. 

Description from missrepresenation.org

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

SEX ED (2014)

SEX (ED) The Movie is an intimate look at not only the history and evolution of sex education, but also the challenges and obstacles inherent in our culture that prevent a reasonable discussion about the advantages of informing school children about natural reproductive organs. 

Description take from clevelandfilm.org

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes

SERVICE: WHEN WOMEN COME MARCHING HOME (2012)

Women now compose 15% of  today's military forces and that number is expected to double in 10 years. The film follows these servicewomen from the deserts of Afghanistan and Iraq to rural Tennessee and urban New York City, from coping with the loss of two legs, to flashbacks, triggers and depression to ways to support other vets. SERVICE honors the resilience of an amazing group of women who have overcome physical and emotional tramas with an unbroken spirit.  

Audience: Students
Format: Interactive
Time: 60 minutes