Somebody's Child: The Redemption of Rwanda
By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 20, 2007 3:13PM
It might seem like we've been posting a lot lately about women-oriented events in the world of film. It might lead you to believe that perhaps the playing field has begun to level off a little. But consider this: only 1.8% of the top-1000 domestic box office grossers in 2006 were directed by women. Unfortunately, filmmaking by women is still the exception to the rule in an industry still dominated by white men.
Interestingly however 60% of Oscar-nominated documentary features have been directed by women. What is it about the documentary medium that is more accessible to female filmmakers? (Rhetorical question). Somebody's Child: The Redemption of Rwanda, which has a special screening on March 31st at the Landmark Century, documents the aftermath of a genocide which has left millions of children without parents. In fact, Rwanda has more child-headed households than any other nation in the world. Director Felicia Middlebrooks drew on her 31-year career as a journalist for CBS Radio/WBBM Newsradio 780 to make the film, and previously received accolades for a special report on the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. She'll be there for a Q & A afterwards.
Four Illinois-based organizations are co-sponsoring this program: AAUW-Illinois, AWJ-Chicago, IWPA and WIF/C. In addition to the admission fee, voluntary donations will be solicited for Rwanda's genocide widows and children through "Hollywood Comes to Chicago" a 501c3 established by Middlebrooks. One hundred percent of these tax deductible donations will be sent to those in need.
Seeing as how it's Women's History Month, we're only too happy to spotlight events such as these. We just wish it wasn't necessary. Can you imagine a benefit screening of 300 or a fund-raiser for Wild Hogs? Didn't think so.
Admission is $15.00 per person in advance, $10.00 for seniors and students (with IDs). Tickets at the door are $20.00 per person (based on space available). More info here.