The screening may be over but we are still making “A Powerful Noise” here in Florida. On Friday, I joined our local CARE organizer, Terriah Proechel for a group discussion on the issues presented in the documentary. Most importantly, the film brought to our attention the role that women and girls play in fighting injustice and extreme poverty in countries around the world.
The film reminded us that when women and girls have the opportunity, they can become powerful catalysts for change in their societies. We all found that the stories presented in the film inspiring and are empowered to continue our work on the ground in Florida.
As we’ve been blogging about for the past few weeks, last night was the special live broadcast of “A Powerful Noise” screened at over 450 theaters across the country. Many ONE members (including yours truly) attended, and I wanted to round up some reactions, photos, and videos from this great event.
Hampton, VA Women in Hampton, VA made a powerful noise in a quiet theatre by gathering to hear the stories of women from the developing world who are leaders in their communities and learning how to take action. The film was followed by an incredible panel discussion with Helene Gayle, Madeleine Albright, Nicholas Kristof, Christy Turlington Burns, and Natalie Portman who encouraged us to fight extreme poverty by advocating for sustainable solutions to our congressional representatives.
-Lauren Conn
Birmingham, AL The room wasn’t full but Birmingham had a respectable number in attendance at A Powerful Noise, especially given that tonight’s screening was our second in the last 5 months. The attendees were very quiet and attentive, often seen wiping away tears. As they left the theatre, many were compelled to share what brought them to tonight’s event. One woman stumbled upon A Powerful Noise the previous night at 11:00 p.m. on the internet as she was helping her daughter research a paper on women’s rights. Another got an email from artist Michael Franti. One man enthusiastically said that he had finally found what he was looking for!
The theatre would not grant me permission to set up a table so I made up small packets to give to people as they left the auditorium. The packet proved to be a welcome “departing gift” for the diehards who stayed until the end credits. People responded with gratitude for being given the tools to go home and take action.
-Elaine VanCleave
Florida
Across the state, Florida ONE volunteers got together at various movie theatres last night to watch the screening of “A Powerful Noise”. It was exciting to celebrate International Women’s Day and at the same time learn more about the strength and solidarity of women who are fighting poverty around the world. Here in Florida, we are energized and ready to do what we can locally to empower women and girls to help us continue to raise awareness about extreme poverty and preventable diseases!
-Sara Paterni
Pittsburg, PA
Last night I went with some Pittsburgh ONE members to watch a local screening of A Powerful Noise. At the theater, we spoke with some of the movie goers and it was so encouraging to hear their thoughts and enthusiasm for a film that speaks so poignantly about the issues of global poverty, disease, maternal health, education and all of the companion issues that are so much a part of what we do at ONE. For some of these conversations, check out video from the event here.
-Christopher Geer
Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN
Last night local ONE members attended screenings of ‘A Powerful Noise’ all over the Twin Cities, I met up with a group of about 10 at the downtown Minneapolis Theatre. We felt the documentary was fantastic and the panel discussion was extremely insightful and motivational. I interviewed a couple people to ask what they thought about the movie and what they hope people will take away from the experience.
I personally hope people leave motivated and find ways they can make a change in their own community or a community across the globe. A voice is a powerful thing and just like the women in the film, using it can impact and improve the lives of so many people. I hope people are inspired by these women and choose to make their own powerful noise by getting involved in organizations like ONE and CARE to make a difference in the world. Check out video from the event here and here.
Don’t miss the chance participate in A POWERFUL NOISE Live tomorrow night. Join thousands of people in 450 theatres across the US to watch “A Powerful Noise” and participate in the live town hall discussion with former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress and activist Natalie Portman, CARE president and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle; CARE advocate for maternal health and contributing editor for Marie Claire Christy Turlington Burns; and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, New York Times columnist and acclaimed author Nicholas Kristof.
The event starts tomorrow, Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 7:30PM ET / 6:30PM CT / 5:30PM MT and tape delayed at 8PM PT and 7PM in Hawaii. Check out the list of participating theaters and buy your tickets here. Ticket prices range from $15-18 for adults; child prices are available at select theatres.
Some theatres have already sold out of tickets (Denver, DC, Arlington, and NYC’s Union Square) so go ahead and buy tickets today at a theatre near you.
It’s not too late to buy your tickets for “A Powerful Noise” Live. ONE is working in partnership with CARE, the UN Commission on the Status of Women and NCM Fathom to bring you a one-night nationwide event featuring the acclaimed documentary “A Powerful Noise,” followed by a live town hall discussion with leading humanitarian experts and activists.
This moving documentary follows three women — Jacqueline “Madame Urbain” Dembele, Nada Markovic and Bui My Hanh— as each goes about the daily business of empowering, educating, and seeking justice in their respective societies. Weaving through locations in Mali, Vietnam and Bosnia, “A Powerful Noise” tells a tale of hope much larger than the sum of its parts. To learn more about the film, go here.
After watching the film in a movie theatre near you, you can participate in a town hall discussion broadcast live from New York City. The town hall discussion will feature a distinguished panel including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actress and activist Natalie Portman, CARE president and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle; CARE advocate for maternal health and contributing editor for Marie Claire Christy Turlington Burns; and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, New York Times columnist and acclaimed author Nicholas Kristof.
This ONE Night Only event in honor of International Women’s Day will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 7:30PM ET / 6:30PM CT / 5:30PM MT and tape delayed at 8PM PT and 7PM in Hawaii. Check out the list of participating theaters and buy your tickets here. Ticket prices range from $15-18 for adults; child prices are available at select theatres.
For more information on “A Powerful Noise” film and the featured town hall speakers, click here.
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