Women’s March

On January 21, 2017, the day following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, four million individuals, many wearing signature pink hats, participated in the Women’s March in major cities across the United States as part of the largest protest in American history. Rather than focusing on speakers for the marches, filmmaker Mischa Hedges’s documentary tells the impactful stories of five diverse women who participated in marches in Washington, D.C., Boston, San Francisco, Oakland, and Santa Rosa. Gretchen, a scientist, was moved to march on behalf of support for women in scientific research and to emphasize the reality of climate change. Lila, a refugee from Afghanistan, created a bright poster that said "refugees add to the fabric of our country"; she felt that dissent was a gift her parents gave her in coming to this democratic country. Eighty-eight-year-old Shira decided to march against anti-Semitism and racism and be a part of a larger community. Scenes captured from above and within the various marches accentuate the size and enthusiasm of the crowds, while emotional highpoints are also included from speeches in the different marches by Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Kamala Harris, poet Malkia Cyril, and activist Gloria Steinem. A fine documentary that captures the enormous energy and passion of women (and men) engaging in democratic activism on an historic day, this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (T. Root)