Engage Her
The documentary Engage Her (released a few months before the 2008 election) has a simple, yet untold message: Women of color (African American, Asian/Pacific Islander American, Latina American, Native American) don't vote at alarming rates. If more of them voted, they could have made a difference in the highly contested 2004 US election that was won by a small margin of votes. The film includes the inspiring stories of high-powered women such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Dolores Huerta (co-founder of of the United Farm Workers), who speak about the importance of voting. Rep. Lee gives potential viewers something to relate to when she tells the story about not caring about politics as a young woman because she didn't feel like politicians did anything that affected her life. Eventually, she was hooked and convinced after running part of Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking Congressional campaign. The film showcases a multicultural group of American women of color who expand upon the notion that voting is a way to exercise leadership and power, and take matters into one's own hands. Overall, an empowering and inspiriing video with a strong message. Especially good for junior high school-aged youth (before they become self-conscious, nonchalant teenagers) to impress upon them the importance of voting and civic participation as one way to create social change. Produced by Mable Yee (founder of a nonprofit organization of the same name aimed at building leadership and political power among women of color) and directed by Maria Victoria Ponce.
Director(s): Maria Victoria Ponce
Writer(s): Mable Yee, Maria Victoria Ponce
Cast: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dolores Huerta
Release Date: 2008  
Keyword: women, American, African, Asian, Latina, Native, voting, par
Target Age: 12 - 100
Category: Make Selection
Documentary: yes
Language: English
Reviewer's Name: aw
Review: http://www.filmbaby.com/films/3567
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