UPC presents 'Miss Representation' screening, discussion on March 14

            Just in time for University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Women's Week, March 12-16, the University Program Council will present a screening of the hit film, "Miss Representation," at 7:30 p.m. on March 14, followed by a panel discussion, in the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, 301 N. 13th St. The event is free and open to the public.

            The film brings to light instances of negative and oppressive portrayals of women in mainstream media. Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, it argues that mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America and challenges the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls. The film originally premiered on Jan. 22, 2011, at the Sundance Film Festival and in October, Oprah Winfrey bought the rights to the documentary for her cable network to broadcast.

            "Miss Representation" is shocking and inspiring for those of any gender, age or orientation. Stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics, like Condoleezza Rice, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Margaret Cho, Rosario Dawson and Gloria Steinem build momentum as "Miss Representation" accumulates startling facts and statistics that will leave the audience shaken and armed with a new perspective.

            The event will also feature a community discussion panel immediately following the film with five women who work in the fields of media, sociology and education -- Carol Easley, senior lecturer with the UNL Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design; Lyndie Christensen, a UNL Ph.D. student in sociology who specializes in women's and gender studies; Martha Stoddard, a reporter for the Omaha World-Herald; Amy Struthers, an advertising professor and advisor in the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications; and Barbara Jacobson, curriculum director for Lincoln Public Schools.

Writer: Karen Freimund Wills