Explore 60 years of the changing identity of women’s roles in film as seen through the lens of multiple directors. Many artistic film makers reflect current social conditions while informing us about oppression, power, and gender identity. Two films – Whale Rider and Real Women Have Curves will provide the opportunity to discuss women fighting against deeply entrenched power structures in the past and today. The films Julia and North Country, illustrate women challenged by race relations and oppression. Class discussion of each film will inform our perspective and strengthen the resolve for change. This course will be highly interactive with participants encouraged to share real life scenarios with the goal of better understanding, confronting, and altering entrenched gender paradigms.