Celebrating Women’s History Month with film Is There Life Out There?

To mark Women’s History Month, the American Language Center organized a presentation of the film Is There Life Out There? at the American Cultural Center on Thursday, March 27, 2008.  The event was hosted by ALC Director Lynn Hanson Ouédraogo.  The film was prefaced by a special guest appearance of singers Anita Beamon-Freeman and Clotia White who thrilled the audience with four songs including the theme song from the movie.  This made-for-TV movie starring Reba McEntire and Keith Carradine tells the story of Lily Marshall, who has a supportive husband, two great kids, and an unfulfilled dream: to return to college and get the degree she always wanted. Lily asks the question for all women:  “Is there life out there beyond family and home?”  In pursuing her dream, Lily grapples with balancing home and life outside, negotiating tensions between personal, family, and societal expectations, and answering the guilt that accompanies all women seeking more. 

An audience of 25, including university students, English teachers, and professional students of the embassy’s ELP, among others watched the film in English and participated in a post-film discussion.  Several women expressed appreciation for such a strong example as given by the main character in the film.  In fact, they could see that even in America it is not always easy for men and women to shift roles and expectations within the family.  All appreciated the fact that the main character portrayed a strong woman pursuing her goals and dreams.  They felt it was positive to show that even in a supportive family, difficulties can still arise but that perseverance, commitment, and love eventually allowed the main character to realize her dream.  Audience members enjoyed this event that gave them an opportunity to use English to learn about and discuss some rather universal issues concerning women.