Miss Representation

Did you know that some of my favorite movies are the ones with the power women getting the best of both worlds - personal and professional? Oldies but goodies like Baby Boom and Working Girl have always been right up there on the top of my list. I grew up knowing nothing more than I wanted to be a "successful business woman," and so watching those girls and others reach their dreams is always an inspiring tale for me.

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On that note, have you all heard about or seen the Miss Representation preview video yet?

From the website ...

Miss Representation explores women’s under-representation in positions of power and influence and challenges the limited and often disparaging portrayals of women in media.

Writer/Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom brings together some of America’s most influential thought leaders in politics, news, entertainment, and academia, including Condoleezza Rice, Katie Couric, Geena Davis, Lisa Ling, Marissa Mayer, Cory Booker, Jean Kilbourne, and Jackson Katz, to give us an inside look at the media’s messaging. As one of the most persuasive and pervasive forces of communication in our culture, mainstream media is educating yet another generation that a woman’s primary value lies in her youth, beauty and sexuality—not in her capacity as a leader.

Miss Representation premieres Saturday, January 22 in the documentary competition at Sundance Film Festival and then travels to the Athena Film Festival in New York City February 12.

I caught this video online this past week and LOVED it. I wish I could magically see it right now, weeks and months before it is revealed to the world. It made me feel empowered. From the website, there is a screening coming up in the spring with the Atlanta Independent Women's Network at the Druid Hills Golf Club. Sounds like a ladies night to me!


Newest Miss Representation Trailer (2011 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection) from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

All of the deep stuff aside, powerful documentaries like this one are also a perfect way to jazz up an inexpensive date night! We watch a lot of movies over here at the condo (Netflix is my BFF) but the selections that have provoked the best conversation were the ones about education reform, diet and exercise and even the sexual revolution. An insightful documentary can give even a long-time couple new things to think about and discuss, and it's fun to stretch your thinking muscles beyond everyday work projects and sitcom TV. KJM tip: Pick out a fun, new recipe to cook together and a random bottle of TJ's wine to complete the whole "date night on a budget" feel.

Have you seen any great documentaries lately? What about this one, Miss Representation? Will you be adding it to your queue?