Welcome to the Women's History Month Guide from Video Librarian! As we commemorate the vital contributions of women throughout history, we recognize the power of film as a medium for education and empowerment. This guide will explore the significance of public screenings, utilizing films in the classroom, and building collections in libraries to honor Women's History Month.
Why Women's History Month Matters
Women's History Month provides a platform to acknowledge the achievements, struggles, and resilience of women across different cultures and time periods. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and the importance of amplifying women's voices in all aspects of society. Established in the United States in 1987, Women's History Month grew out of the recognition of the often-overlooked cultural and historical contributions of women. Originating from International Women's Day, which was first observed in the early 1900s, Women's History Month expanded to a month-long celebration to provide a more robust opportunity to honor women's achievements.
Throughout history, women have faced numerous challenges due to patriarchal institutional structures. Women have been systematically excluded from educational opportunities, limiting their ability to pursue careers and achieve economic independence. Discriminatory laws and social norms have restricted women's rights, including the right to vote, own property, and participate in public life.
In many cultures, women are expected to conform to traditional gender roles, such as caretakers and homemakers, which often limits their autonomy and agency. Furthermore, women have been frequently subjected to violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking, with little recourse for justice or support.
Even in professional spheres, women have encountered barriers to advancement and equal pay, facing workplace discrimination and harassment. These systemic inequalities have perpetuated gender disparities in leadership positions, economic opportunities, and representation in media and politics.
Despite these challenges, women have continued to challenge patriarchal norms, advocate for gender equality, and make significant contributions to society in various fields, including science, literature, politics, and activism. Women's History Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate these achievements while acknowledging the ongoing struggle for gender equity.
Harnessing the Power of Film to Tell Female Stories
Cinema has the unique ability to capture the complexities of women's experiences, from the personal to the political. Through storytelling, imagery, and sound, films offer audiences a glimpse into the lives of women from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. From documentaries of historical figures breaking barriers to fictional narratives of ordinary women overcoming extraordinary challenges, cinema serves as a powerful vehicle for sparking conversations and promoting understanding.
It's crucial that these stories depict women who are just as dynamic and multidimensional as their male counterparts. We need to see women from around the world who are flawed, complex and fully realized individuals, capable of both heroism and villainy. By amplifying these narratives, film has the power to challenge stereotypes, inspire empathy, and reshape societal perceptions of women's roles and capabilities.
Our Women's History Month Film Recommendations ⬇️
Bella from Cinema Guild
Directed by Bridget Murnane | United States | 2022 | 98 mins | Dance, History, Performing Arts Documentary
Bella is about the life, influence, and impact of California-based artist and activist Bella Lewitzky. Described as "...one of the greatest American dancers of our age" by Walter Terry. Bella Lewitzky was a talented, strong, outspoken individual, who dedicated her creative life to protecting the rights of every American. Designated one of America's irreplaceable dance treasures by the Dance Heritage Coalition and awarded the National Medal of Arts, Lewitzky’s life demonstrates how a “uniquely Californian” artist with vision and tenacity can change the lives of her fellow citizens.
Purchase Bella for non-theatrical screenings from Cinema Guild: https://store.cinemaguild.com/nontheatrical/product/2678.html
The River You Step In from Cinemaintenant
Directed by Jon Michaelson | Canada | 2019 | 97 mins | Drama
Award-winning Broadway actress Astrid Van Wieren leads a diverse and talented cast in this gritty, character-driven Canadian drama about a maverick social worker and the troubled people she tries to help— until the rules she bends snap! The River You Step In is a modern-day fable, focused on violence against women— including First Nations women— and how to safely navigate issues that women face daily, at work and at home and wherever they are in the world.
When a young First Nations client dies in police custody, free-spirited social worker Stevie (Astrid Van Wieren) goes the extra mile to keep the people she works with away from the system she no longer trusts. Opening her home as a safe haven for George (Marcel Stewart), an ex-con and gambler, Tracy (Claire Burns), a drug-seeking musician, then Mina (Sharmila Dey), a battered wife, Stevie expertly masks her own issues with those of the broken lives she struggles to mend — until she's confronted with the real dangers of crossing professional lines. Set in East End Toronto, The River You Step In is an ensemble drama about how the best intentions can go awry. How far would you go to help someone?
Stream on Prime: https://amzn.to/3uTFxFw
Stream on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3P5nPpo
Stream on Google Play: https://bit.ly/3wGeXk0
Stream on Vudu: https://bit.ly/4bZRIBg
Stream on Tubi: https://bit.ly/42W7kSx
Buy DVD (Amazon): https://amzn.to/48C9bNh
Buy DVD (Barnes & Noble): https://bit.ly/46nBfUE
Website: https://www.cinemaintenant.com
The Cenicero - Circa 1856 from Down to Earth Media
Directed by Rick Vigil | United States | 2023 | 30 mins | Family, Aging & Relationships, History Documentary
The Cenicero - Circa 1856 film documentary presents a fascinating look at the history, culture, and traditions of the Spanish-speaking community in the San Luis Valley.
Esperanza "Hope" Lobato-Gallegos has been researching her family's genealogy for several years. The names of her paternal and maternal grandparents are "Gallegos" and "Lobato", respectively. The educational documentary Cenicero tells the story of Hope's ancestry and its role in the formation of Colorado as a state. Hope Gallegos' story is amazing, and Down to Earth Media is thrilled to share it with library patrons, educators, and cinephiles. Although she's 93, she's still alive and doing well.
History enthusiasts would find this interesting since there are still communities practicing the traditions, cultures, and spirituality of their ancestors in the San Luis Valley.
The preservation of our history depends on you!
Learn more about this history documentary: http://downtoearthmedia.org/films.html
Bringing Women's Stories to Your Community Through Public Screenings
Public screenings of movies provide communities with opportunities to come together and engage in dialogue about women's history and contemporary issues. Organizers can reach out to local venues, such as libraries, community centers, or theaters, to inquire about available spaces and resources for hosting events. You must also reach out to distributors about the price and availability of licensing.
Collaborating with organizations and advocacy groups focused on women's issues can also help secure support and promote the screenings to a wider audience. Additionally, utilizing social media, email newsletters, and community bulletin boards can help spread the word and attract attendees. Offering themed programming, panel discussions, or Q&A sessions alongside the screenings can enhance the educational and interactive aspects of the events, encouraging deeper engagement and dialogue among participants.
By proactively obtaining public performance rights of films and organizing screenings, you can create meaningful opportunities for communities to celebrate women's history, amplify real women's voices, and inspire positive social change.
Incorporating Women's Studies Films and Documentaries into Lesson Plans
Educators can use film to enhance their curriculum and provide students with a deeper, immediate, and visual understanding of women's history. Incorporating films into lesson plans allows students to connect with historical events and figures on a more personal level. From documentaries exploring key moments in women's history to biopics celebrating influential women leaders, films offer educators valuable resources to supplement traditional teaching methods and inspire meaningful discussions in the classroom.
When constructing their syllabus, educators must consider highlighting the women who were part of the subject being taught, as they are often overlooked in favor of their male counterparts. By intentionally incorporating films that spotlight women's contributions and perspectives, teachers can help address historical imbalances and ensure a more comprehensive and inclusive learning experience for all students.
Building Public and Academic Library Collections to Preserve Herstory
Libraries play a crucial role in preserving and promoting women's history through their collections of books, films, and other resources. By curating collections that reflect women's diverse experiences, librarians can provide patrons with access to valuable educational materials and cultural artifacts. Building comprehensive film collections that span various genres, time periods, and perspectives ensures that patrons have opportunities to explore women's history from different angles and discover new stories that resonate with them.
Continuing to Celebrate Women's History Month
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let us recognize the transformative power of film to illuminate the past, inspire the present, and shape the future. Through public screenings, classroom engagement, and library collections, we can honor the contributions of women throughout history and champion gender equality for generations to come.