Lady LUX

Grab some popcorn and settle down for a powerful message. “Girl Rising,” a groundbreaking documentary directed by Academy Award nominee Richard Robbins, details the extraordinary stories of nine girls who hail from nine different nations. Penned by nine leading writers and narrated by nine well-known actresses, the film portrays the strength within us all and the power of education to make a difference, whether small or global.

The movie is presented by 10x10, an international campaign that advocates for education for girls. Through the feature film, 10x10 brings to life these girls’ stories to expound its basic crucial message: Educate girls and you will make a difference in the world. A girl with an extra year of education can earn up to 20 percent more as an adult, according to a World Bank Report.

“This film gives visual corroboration to knowledge we already have: Educating women and girls has the most optimistic, positive effects on families, communities, and economies worldwide. If to see it is to know it this film delivers hope; reasonable, measurable, tangible hope that the world can be healed and helped to a better future,” Meryl Streep, a voice in the film, said.

Vocal performances include Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Liam Neeson, Priyanka Chopra, Chloe Moretz, Frieda Pinto, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Alicia Keys and Kerry Washington.

The life of each girl highlights a different theme. For example, Sokha of Cambodia, called the Phoenix, grew up an orphan in a dump, picking through garbage for her livelihood. Miraculously, she is able to enroll in school and have a bright future. Known as the Emancipated, Nepal’s Suma was forced into bonded labor while she was only 6. After learning to read, Suma puts her education to work to liberate other girls. Ruksana, the Dreamer, grew up on the streets of India but now, despite living on the pavement with her family, excels in school and has found a voice through her artwork.

Just by providing more education for girls, we can substantially improve families, communities and even countries. Some of the ripple effects include reducing poverty, child mortality, population growth, HIV infection rates, corruption and the conditions that lead to terrorism.

By partnering with NGOs, corporations, policymakers and grassroots organizations, 10x10 makes an impact with a trifold mission: change minds, change lives and change policy. Communicating its message changes minds, telling stories and offering funds to help girls stay in school changes lives, and collaborating with policy leaders to create laws that allow all girls an equal chance to get educated changes policy.

Small donations can make a difference. A mere $30 can supply a girl’s uniform and $50 can provide for school fees for one year. Supporting the 10x10 Fund helps supply girl-centered resources, including scholarships and health care services, aiming to aid girls in reaching their full potential.

Thus far, there have been 197 screenings of “Girl Rising” across the United States, with well over 100,000 tickets reserved. If the film is not being shown near you, you may request a screening at a theatre nearby through Gathr, an online service. Or check the movie out when aired on CNN on June 16.

Explore the film at girlrising.com.

Tagged in: film, movie, documentary, girl rising, 10x10, girls' education,