Soroptimist International of South Whidbey Island will bring a global movement to educate girls and change the world to Whidbey Island this weekend with a screening of “Girl Rising.”
The feature film spotlights the stories of nine girls born into unforgiving circumstances, and the screening is in celebration of International Day of the Girl. It’s also one of thousands of events around the world aimed at highlighting the transformative power of girls’ education, according to a Soroptimist news release.
The film screening begins at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, 565 Camano Avenue in Langley. It’s being presented by the Soroptimists to raise funds and awareness for scholarships, programs and the Start Dreaming Day Camp for Girls. The organization believes in the power of education to change not only one girl, but the world.
“By hosting a screening of ‘Girl Rising’ we are demonstrating our commitment to breaking down the barriers that prevent girls around the world from going to school, barriers like child marriage, sex trafficking, gender violence and discrimination,” the release said. “We are proud to be part of this growing movement, raising visibility on Whidbey Island alongside thousands of other events worldwide.”
“Girl Rising” was directed by Academy Award nominee Richard E. Robbins and is narrated by Cate Blanchett, Priyanka Chopra, Selena Gomez, Anne Hathaway, Salma Hayek, Alicia Keys, Chloë Moretz, Liam Neeson, Freida Pinto, Meryl Streep and Kerry Washington. Since the film’s premiere it has been screened by millions in cinemas, campuses, corporate boardrooms and private homes worldwide.
“If to see it is to know it, this film delivers hope; reasonable, measurable, tangible hope that the world can be healed and helped to a better future,” said Streep, in the news release.
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12.50 for youth and can be purchased online at www.wicaonline.org or through the Box Office via phone, 360-221-8268, and in person at WICA.
