The Power of Women in Film

We are pleased to partner with UN Women and the Institute for Gender and Development Studies (IGDS), UWI  to present The Power of Women in Film, on Friday 22 September, from 9am, at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. The day of panels and presentations will include speakers from across the region who explore depictions of women and girls and how film can be used to address issues of violence against women, objectification, gender inequality and female empowerment. Short films will be incorporated into the programme to help illustrate some of the issues being discussed. The Power of Women in Film initiative is free, and individuals and organisations interested in the issues are invited to attend.

The Power of Women in Film will be followed by three days of feminist cinema, from 22 – 24 September, also at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

Feminist Cinema

The three days of screenings of films by or about women will present stories from a female point of view, highlighting political, economic or cultural discourse about women’s lives and critiquing the power structures holding gender inequality in place. The free screenings will be followed by facilitated discussions on some of the issues raised.

According to Alison McLean, Representative, UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean: “Recognising the impact popular culture can have on transforming behaviour and attitudes and indeed on dismantling gender inequality, UN Women continues to work with cultural ambassadors and to highlight the arts as a powerful means to effect positive change for women and men and boys and girls. UN Women is delighted to partner with the Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival and the Institute of Gender Development and Studies of the St. Augustine Campus of the UWI through a focus on The Power of Women in Film – documenting, highlighting and recognising the powerful role female filmmakers play in advancing social change through challenging mainstream narratives, re-shaping public perceptions and providing a vehicle for the voices of women and girls to be heard.”

Annabelle Alcazar, programme director at the ttff, added: “Women filmmakers are crucial participants in the social forces that shape our culture. Their portrayal of women as three-dimensional, complex human beings, defies the demeaning and pervasive stereotypes perpetuated by the mainstream.”

Also commenting, Dr Gabrielle Hosein, Head of IGDS, St Augustine stressed: “More female driven content in film and on TV breaks stigmas and conveys modern female responsibility and power, opens the door to social change and leads to greater respect for women. In light of recent events and a global subculture laden with misogyny and misconception, it’s important to bring more humanity back to women and more visibility to women in film.”

Click here for the full programme.

About UN Women: UN Women is the global champion for gender equality, working to develop and uphold standards and create an environment in which every woman and girl can exercise her human rights and live up to her full potential. They are trusted partners for advocates and decision-makers from all walks of life, and a leader in the effort to achieve gender equality

About IGDS: Formerly known as the Centre for Gender and Development Studies, the IGDS has its origins in the work of the Women and Development Studies Group (WDSG) at The UWI. Its mission is to produce and disseminate knowledge on gender-related issues in the Caribbean in support of The UWI’s Mission and to enhance Caribbean development.

The trinidad+tobago film festival (ttff) celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora, as well as from world cinema, through an annual festival and year-round screenings. In addition, the ttff seeks to facilitate the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry programme and networking opportunities. The ttff is presented by Flow; given leading sponsorship by bpTT and the Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts; supporting sponsorship by the Inter-American Development Bank and UN Women; and contributing sponsorship from RBC Royal Bank.