March 8th marks International Women’s Day, when we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide, in their workplaces and communities. In the spirit of uplifting the voices of women and girls worldwide, the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ottawa are proud to present, Screenings at the Centre: Celebrating International Women’s Day.
Available in Canada from March 8th to the 31st, this three-week virtual film screening features two films from the Human Rights Festival Berlin (organised by the non-profit Aktion Gegen den Hunger): “Bangla Surf Girls” and “The Ants and the Grasshopper”. Whether the protagonists are addressing climate change or finding joy and escape in the unconventional , these films highlight stories of women and girls who push boundaries and lead the difficult conversations necessary to move society forward.
Amidst the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, and as we witness the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people, we are deeply conscious of how troubled many of us are about the state of the world and the diminishing prospects for peace. Our hope is that these films offer a respite and serve as a reminder of the many positive efforts women and girls are making in so many societies around the world, which must continue to be amplified and supported.
To watch the films, click the links below and register with Eventive, our film streaming platform.
Bangla Surf Girls
Elizabeth D. Costa | CA | 2021 | 86 min | Bengali
Cox’s Bazaar – the world’s largest beach near the Rohingya refugee camp Kutupalong is home to Shob, Shuma, and Ayesha. Fearlessly, the Muslim female surfers hurl themselves toward the highest waves. In the midst of poverty, violence, and toxic masculinity, they resolutely pursue their dream of a self-determined life. And with every wave they conquer, they defy family expectations and conventions – until their worst fears come true. Joy and despair densely and emotionally told to the rhythm of the sea. A universal story about inner strength, overcoming fears – and sport that gives hope to rewrite destiny.
Subtitles in English
The Ants and the Grasshopper
Raj Patel, Zak Piper | MW | 2021 | 76 min | English
Anita Chitaya is a fighter: she can get men to stand up for equality and knows how to grow food even on dead soil. But to fight hunger in her native Malawi and secure people’s livelihoods, she faces her biggest challenge: convincing the USA that climate change is real. On her journey from Malawi to California to the White House, she experiences racial and gender inequality firsthand, meets climate skeptics and desperate farmers.
Subtitles in English