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UD's International and Intercultural News Return to news >> March 6, 2009 IRAQ WAR, FIRST WOMAN ELECTED HEAD OF AFRICAN NATION FEATURED IN UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON WOMEN IN FILM FESTIVAL In celebration of Women's History Month, the University of Dayton will present a short film festival featuring three independent films made by women that address current events around the world. The festival will run about three hours and begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in ArtStreet Studio B. It is free and open to the public. The featured films include My Home — Your War, which looks at the effects of the Iraq War from the perspective of an Iraqi woman; Iron Ladies of Liberia, which chronicles the first year of the first freely elected female head of state in Africa; and The Women's Kingdom, a film about the Chinese village of Mosuo, one of the last matriarchal societies in the world. More information and full synopses of the films are below. "These amazing films are very relevant to what's going on in our world today — the War in Iraq, issues of gender and change in our recent presidential election and the role of women in our society," said ArtStreet Director Susan Byrnes. "The public has a rare opportunity to view these limited distribution films that present our community with diverse perspectives from around the world, showing us our similarities and our differences." The three films are distributed by Women Make Movies, a nonprofit media arts organization that facilitates the production, promotion, distribution and exhibition. Visit http://www.wmm.com for more information. ArtStreet, the University of Dayton's Center for International Programs, Women's and Gender Studies program, the Women's Center and University Libraries are sponsoring the festival. For more information about ArtStreet, call 937-229-5101 or visit http://artstreet.udayton.edu.. The films Information provided by Women Make Movies My Home — Your War, by Kylie Grey, 2006, 52 minutes, Arabic with English subtitles. The film offers an extraordinary look at the effect of the Iraq war through the eyes of an ordinary Iraqi woman. Shot in Baghdad over three years that span the time before, during and after the invasion of Iraq, this profoundly moving film brings a perspective that — until now — has rarely been available to U.S. audiences. This film combines insightful interviews with Layla Hassan and her family, vibrant scenes of Baghdad and intimate footage shot by Layla herself to paint a compelling picture of how the war has affected average Iraqis. As Islamic fundamentalism takes hold in the chaos of Baghdad, her shy teenage son turns to militancy, her once-progressive sister dons the veil, and whatever freedom Layla once had under Saddam Hussein's secular rule is steadily being eroded. While facts about the Iraq war garner much U.S. media attention, My Home – Your War is a deeply compelling account of something seldom discussed: how the Iraq war has created a situation where the rise of fundamentalism is putting women's rights increasingly at risk. Iron Ladies of Liberia, by Siatta Scott Johnson and Daniel Junge, 77 minutes, Liberian English with English subtitles. After surviving a 14-year civil war and a government riddled with corruption, Liberia is ready for change. On January 16, 2006, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was inaugurated President — the first freely elected female head of state in Africa. Having won a hotly contested election with the overwhelming support of women across Liberia, 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. With exclusive access, directors Siatta Scott Johnson and Daniel Junge follow these "Iron Ladies" behind the scenes during their critical first year in office as they tackle indolent bureaucracy, black markets and the omnipresent threat of violent riots. Highlighting the challenges that African countries currently face, this film provides an uplifting example of women who have become the backbone of change. As the filmmakers explore a historic transition from authoritarianism to democracy, the viewer is treated to a joyous, inspirational testimony of the political power of women's leadership and diplomacy. The Women's Kingdom, by Xiaoli Zhou, 22 minutes, Mandarin with English subtitles. Keepers of one of the last matriarchal societies in the world, Mosuo women in a remote area of southwest China live beyond the strictures of mainstream Chinese culture — enjoying great freedoms and carrying heavy responsibilities. Beautifully shot and featuring intimate interviews, this short documentary offers a rare glimpse into a society virtually unheard of 10 years ago and now often misrepresented in the media. Mosuo women control their own finances and do not marry or live with partners; they practice what they call "walking marriage." A man may be invited into a woman’s hut to spend a "sweet night," but must leave by daybreak. While tourism has brought wealth and 21st century conveniences to this remote area, it has also introduced difficult challenges to the Mosuo culture — from pollution in the lake, to the establishment of brothels, to mainstream ideas about women, beauty and family. This finely wrought film is a sensitive portrayal of extraordinary women struggling to hold on to their extraordinary society.

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