| For the past four years, the Women’s Program at The Advocates has co-sponsored a film series with The Friends of the St. Paul Public Library. All films are free and open to the public.
The Advocates for Human Rights and
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library
present
The 2008-2009 Women’s Human Rights Film Series
All films are free and open to the public.
Comments and discussion will follow the screenings.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (note earlier start time)
The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo
Rondo Community Outreach Library
461 N. Dale St., St. Paul
Winner of the Sundance Special Jury Prize in Documentary, “The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo” is an extraordinary film that shatters the silence surrounding the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war. Emmy award winning filmmaker Lisa F. Jackson travels through the Democratic Republic of Congo, through war zones, to understand what is happening, and why.
Emily Good, Director of the Refugee and Immigrant Program at The Advocates for Human Rights, will lead the discussion following the film.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Finding Dawn
Hayden Heights Branch Library
1456 White Bear Avenue, St. Paul
“Finding Dawn” examines the murders and disappearances of an estimated 500 Aboriginal women who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada over the past 30 years, crimes that remain unresolved to this day.
Mary Ellingen, Staff Attorney in the Women’s Program at The Advocates, and Maureen White Eagle, Executive Director of Partners for Women’s Equality, will host the discussion after the film.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Iron Ladies of Liberia
St. Anthony Park Branch Library
2245 Como Avenue, St. Paul
In 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was inaugurated President of Liberia, the first freely elected female head of state in Africa. Go behind the scenes as Sirleaf faces the daunting task of lifting her country from debt and devastation. She turns to a remarkable team of women, appointing them in positions such as police chief, finance minister, minister of justice, commerce minister and minister of gender, and the viewer is treated to a joyous, inspirational testimony of the political power of women’s leadership and diplomacy.
Rosalyn Park, Research Director at The Advocates, will host the discussion after the film.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.
Maquilapolis: City of Factories
Riverview Branch Library
1 East George Street, St. Paul
Carmen works the graveyard shift in one of Tijuana’s maquiladoras, the multinationally-owned factories that came to Mexico for its cheap labor. She and a million other maquiladora workers produce televisions, electrical cables, toys, clothes, and more – they weave the very fabric of life for consumer nations. They also confront labor violations, environmental devastation and urban chaos in life on the frontier of the global economy. In “Maquilapolis,” Carmen and her colleague Lourdes reach beyond the daily struggle for survival to organize for change.
Angela Bortel, Staff Attorney in the Women’s Program at The Advocates, will host the discussion after the film.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
SASA! A Film about Women, Violence and HIV/AIDS
Rice Street Branch Library
1011 Rice Street, St. Paul
Sasa is a Kiswahili word that means now. Now is the time to become aware, give support and take action to prevent violence against women and HIV infection. The documentary film “SASA!” tells the personal stories of two women and their experiences with violence and HIV/AIDS. It also offers analysis from activists and leaders about the causal factors, cultural dynamics and politics of preventing and responding to these dual pandemics.
Mary C. Ellison, Staff Attorney in the Women’s Program at The Advocates, will host the discussion after the film.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
To See If I’m Smiling
Merriam Park Branch Library
1831 Marshall Avenue, St. Paul
Israel is the only country in the world where 18-year-old girls are drafted for compulsory military service. In this award-winning documentary, the frank testimonials of six female Israeli soldiers stationed in Gaza and the West Bank pack a powerful emotional punch. At a time when women in the military are increasingly on the frontlines, and the actions of soldiers all over the world are being questioned, this powerful film explores the ways that gender, ethics and moral responsibility intersect during war.
Host/discussion leader TBD
Friday, April 3, 2009
Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai
Metropolitan State University
700 E. 7th Street, St. Paul
“Taking Root,” a film by Lisa Merton and Alan Dater, tells the dramatic story of the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Her simple act of planting trees grew into a nationwide movement to safeguard the environment, protect human rights, and defend democracy – a movement for which this charismatic woman became an iconic inspiration. After the film, join in a discussion with special guests, filmmakers Lisa Merton and Alan Dater.
Films from the 2007-2008 season.
Films from the 2005-2007 seasons. | 
