27 February 2014
For immediate release
Female friendly films make more money
This International Women’s Day, women across Melbourne’s East will come together to celebrate and recognise the many achievements of women – and at the same time to appraise the feminist credentials of new Australian feature film Tracks.
A recent analysis of 2013’s 50 most successful blockbusters revealed that movies passing the Bechdel test – a popular measure for assessing whether a film has the active presence of female characters – made more money than those that didn’t.
“We are inviting local women and community members to celebrate this important day with us,” says Women’s Health East CEO Kristine Olaris “And at the same time to consider how women are portrayed on screen.”
Tracks tells the incredible true story of Robyn Davidson who walked the 2700km solo trek through the Australian outback. It is the story of a strong, independent woman who undertakes an extraordinary journey, a role we don’t often see portrayed by female characters in films.
“Representation matters. It is common for representations of women – whether on film or television, in magazines or the media – to reinforce the idea that women’s value is based on their appearance and their sexual appeal for men. We know that such representations have a negative impact on women’s and girls’ mental health and wellbeing. That is why we are so pleased to be presenting this film on International Women’s Day,” says Women’s Health East CEO Kristine Olaris
International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women - past, present and future. In keeping with the theme of celebrating women’s achievements, Women’s Health East, supported by the City of Boroondara, invites local women to a premiere screening of Tracks on Thursday 6 March at Palace Balwyn Cinema.
At the screening, Women’s Health East CEO Kristine Olaris, will present the Bechdel Test and ask audience members to consider whether Tracks passes the test. As principal supporter of the event, Cr Coral Ross, Mayor of the City of Boroondara will welcome audience members.
Event Details:
When: Thursday 6th March 2014, 5:30pm refreshments for a 6:45pm movie start
Where: Palace Balwyn Cinema, 231 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Cost: $20 per ticket, $17 for Women’s Health East members
Tickets are available for purchase from www.trybooking.com/EISA or visit Women’s Health East’s website for more details: www.whe.org.au
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Media enquiries: Kate Ravenscroft, Health Promotion and Communications Officer, 9851 3700 or
Links and further information:
· Visit our website for more details: www.whe.org.au
· International Women’s Day is a global day celebrated on 8th March. More information is available at: www.unwomen.org.au/iwd/about-international-womens-day
· The event will be published on Women’s Health East Facebook
www.facebook.com/WomensHealthEast and Twitter twitter.com/WHEast
About Women’s Health East
Women's Health East is a regional women’s health promotion agency working across the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne towards a vision of equality, empowerment, health and wellbeing for all women. A not‐for‐profit agency funded primarily by the Victorian Department of Health, we advocate for gender equity and work to improve the health and wellbeing of girls and women. Our health promotion priorities include:
· Preventing Violence Against Women
· Sexual & Reproductive Health
· Gender Equity for Health Outcomes
03 9851 3700 www.whe.org.au
Women’s Health East acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government