By: Regina Wright ~Guest Writer~

Two professors at Xavier are currently hosting a film series called Expressions of Gender in order to offer students an opportunity to watch a variety of films and discuss the representations of gender in the media.

The Expressions of Gender film series was created by Dr. Kristen Renzi of the English Department and Dr. Wendy Maxian of communication arts.

Last spring, Renzi had the idea for the series after the call for Women of Excellence (WOX) grant applications came out. Together, Renzi and Maxian worked to apply for the grant to cover the cost of the film series. They received the grant and recently started the series. The first two screenings, with the films “Wadjda” and “Easy A,” have already taken place,
A faculty or staff member introduces each film, facilitating a discussion both before and after the screening.

“The film series is designed to provide a means for the Xavier community to gather together, reflect upon and analyze the representations of gender that are present in the media we consume regularly,” Renzi said.

“The films were chosen around this semester’s theme: Under/Over 21. Each film represents how gender is presented at certain milestones in a person’s life. The films were chosen to represent a variety of genders, but also how gender intersects with race, sexual orientation, religion, age, ability and socioeconomic status,” Maxian said.

“Ultimately, I hope that with this consciousness, the Xavier community will feel empowered to challenge, create and expand these socio-cultural ideas (and) attitudes related to gender and identity, rather than just work within those that are pre-established,” Renzi said.

The film series is open to all members of the Xavier community and it is also open to the public. All films are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in Kennedy Auditorium in the Conoton Learning Commons. Screenings are free and popcorn and soda are provided.

Remaining Film Schedule
Oct. 1: “The Bro Code”
Oct. 8: “Dirty Pretty Things”
Oct. 22: “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”
Nov. 5: “No Woman, No Cry”
Nov. 19: “To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar”
Dec. 3: “Calendar Girls”