A Must See film

Several weeks ago I went to see a film. What an ordinary sentence. Nine simple words that appear so matter of fact. After all, going to see a movie is such a common event. I didn't see a movie, I saw a film. I think it was the first time in my 36 years that I really understood the distinction.

People tell me often that I have a good memory. I don't usually think much of it. I'm now quite thankful for the gift of memory because that which we remember vividly stays with us. If something stays with you, stays in your head bouncing around with your other thoughts, you're more likely to share it with others. When you get something, it causes you to care. Only then are we empowered to act.

This is a film that must be shared.

The film toured Canada with film maker Brenda Rooney. The day before the showing we had quite a storm. Power was out in several areas, including the theatre that was to show the movie at 1 p.m. I called at 11:36 a.m. to learn that power had just be restored and they were going ahead with the film. See what I mean about memory? Who bothers to remember such fine detail?

Me!

I think I remember the time because I really, really wanted to see the film. I would have been disappointed if the weather had cancelled the showing. After leaving the theatre I remember a true feeling of joy that I was able to see the film after all.

Before the film Brenda thanked everyone for coming and said that after the showing she'd be happy to talk about the film, her views on women or answer questions. At the end of the film she took the mic and asked if there were any questions. The audience was so quiet. I'm pretty extroverted so I like to hang back and give more reserved people a chance. As a young girl I was a bit like Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, always having my hand in the air. I sure hope I was less of a know-it-all :)

Back to our topic. I still remember the seat I sat in, next to my friend Kathleen. I remember Brenda's face as she waited for someone to ask a question. I'm not sure if she understood just what was going on. We were all processing all that we had seen. In that moment the whole point of the film was crystal clear to me. I didn't have any questions about the film at all.

I figured that everyone had had their chance to speak up so I was going to take mine. My hand shot into the air and when I was acknowledged I spoke in a loud, clear voice that surprised me somewhat. Part of me was holding back tears. Tears of worry and pain and even tears of joy and hope. I don't actually like to cry in public so I'm relieved I seemed 'together'. I said "I'd REALLY like to hear your views on women". And so it began, a discussion I'll never forget.

Brenda was a reminder to me of what I think good feminism is. Good feminism is being pro-woman. It is not about being anti-man.

In this blog I will often praise womanly things because they are worthy things. This is no reflection on how I feel about men. Personally, I like men and I'm all in favour of 'em ;) I simply think the world can do with a few reminders of just how worthy women are.

So, raise your hand if you want to know the film title?

I'll give you a hint.

"One day an army of grey-haired old women may quietly take over the world." - Gloria Steinem.

OK, I'll be nice and tell you straight out.

The Great Granny Revolution

Here's a quote from the website. I think it says it all.

"The Great Granny Revolution is an uplifting story about the bonds of friendship between women and the power of individuals to make a difference."

Now, for those of you who've been paying attention you remember I'm only 36. Much too young to be a grandmother. I don't know what it's like to be a grandmother but I know what it's like to have a grandmother. I've been blessed with amazing grandmothers. I'm pretty sure I'll end up a grandmother one day. Preferably 10-15 years from now. But still, I know a little something about grandmothers.

Stephen Lewis has called the grandmothers of Africa unsung heroes. I agree. I also recognize that being a grandmother here in North America is very, very different than being a grandmother in many other places.

When I have grandkids, to be perfectly blunt, I can always send them home when I need a break. I'll have my husband, my family, my hobbies and my work to fill my days. I expect and hope that my adult children will be alive and well and able to care for their children. When the grandchildren come to see us we'll bake cookies, read together and go on outings. In a nutshell we'll have the same experiences I had with my grandmothers. And, I'm likely to be accused now and again of spoiling my grandchildren. All in all it'll be a very happy time in my life, even with the grey hair!

Until that time I support the efforts of women [and men] here to connect and support women, and the children, there. There's a lot we can learn from each other. There's also work to be done. If you want to learn more try to see the film. If it's not coming to a city near you buy it. It's really a great flim and costs less than a couple of meals at a restaurant.

You can also visit:

The Wakefield Grannies

Grandmothers to Grandmothers -at the Stephen Lewis Foundation website.

I'd love to hear your experiences of women working together to support other women. There's a lot of really good stuff going on around the world. It can be hard to stay focused in the wake of all the bad we hear about. And yet, we must not lose our hope for if we do then all will be lost.

Till next time, keep hope alive,

dawne