When Women Make Movies (WMM) ran their first series at the Ross in 1987, their aim was to showcase a retrospection of the 30 films they had in their catalog.
Now, the nonprofit distribution service stationed in New York, one of the oldest in the country, is returning to feature some of its latest acquisitions in a catalog that has grown to more than 500 films. The series is running in conjunction with Women's History Month.
"Really, the series is a sampling of the kinds of films we distribute," said Julie Whang, sales and marketing manager for WMM.
The WMM series, "Women Changing the World," which begins today and runs through March 11, is a series of 12 documentaries, all by women directors and dealing with a variety of issues. "Our collection includes everything from multicultural issues to body image to human rights," Whang said.
Ross director Danny Ladely said, "Women Make Movies really coincides with our aim here at the Ross, which is to provide a quality theater viewing experience for foreign and independent American films that people otherwise wouldn't get to see on a big screen."
The series will feature three special appearances by guest speakers.
Psychologist Megan Watson will conduct a discussion following the film "The Greatest Silence" at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Watson has previously worked with torture survivors and refugees.
WMM executive director Debra Zimmerman will speak about women in the film industry at 3:00 p.m. on March 7 following the film "Who's Afraid of Kathy Acker," running at 1:00 p.m.
Finally, on March 10, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sandra Hochman will speak following her film "Year of the Woman" at 5:00 p.m. Hochman was ranked one of the five most important women writers in America by Esquire Magazine.
Admission to all films will run at regular Ross prices, but admission to any discussion is free.
Zimmerman has been the director of WMM since 1983. Her appearance on March 7 will be her third at the Ross and the first in Lincoln since 2002.
"Three of the films we'll be showing have won prizes at the Sundance Film Festival," Zimmerman said. Those films are Natalia Almada's "El General," Lisa F. Jackson's "The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo," and Kim Longinotto's "Rough Aunties."
Zimmerman is among the most in-demand speakers on the independent film industry in the world.
"I'm usually in Australia this time of year," she said, adding that she doesn't regret missing out on the warmer weather. "My hat's off to Danny for having such an amazing theater in the Midwest. Every time I return, it's even better."
rollanschott@dailynebraskan.com
if you go
what: Women Make Movies: Women Changing the World
where: The Ross
when: Feb. 26 to March 11
how much: Standard ticket prices
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