Film Focused on Educating Girls To Be Screened at the Mello

Four local non-profits are joining forces to bring home a global movement, to educate girls and change the world with the screening of Girl Rising, at the Mello Center Theater (250 E. Beach St. at Lincoln) Oct. 18, 7 PM. Tickets: $10 adult  and $5 youth. Recommended for age 12 and over. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Girl Rising is a groundbreaking feature film that spotlights the stories of nine unforgettable girls born into unforgiving circumstances. The film captures their dreams, their voices and their remarkable lives. It is also a movement dedicated to empowering and achieving educational equity for girls around the world.

“We are proud to be part of this growing movement about the importance of educating girls”, said Consuelo Alba from the Watsonville Film Festival. “We want to make sure girls in our community know that we have their backs, too.”

Following the screening of the film there will be a panel discussion featuring the outstanding women speakers, including university professors Dr. Maria Eugenia Matute-Bianchi and Dr. Pat Zavella; Karina Cervantez, Watsonville vice mayor; Dr. Jill Denner, co-founder of Watsonville TEC;  Leticia Mendoza, director of the YWCA of Watsonville and DREAMER student Victoria Ramirez.

Girl Rising was directed by Academy Award nominee Richard E. Robbins and is narrated by big stars including Cate Blanchett, Salma Hayek, Alicia Keys among others. There will be thousands of Raising Girl events worldwide celebrating International Girl Day on Oct. 11.

Tickets for this event may be purchased at the YWCA of Watsonville at 340 E. Beach Street.

For co-sponsoring opportunities or receive free tickets donated by community groups and businesses contact marlie.avant@sbcglobal.net

Proceeds from this event will benefit Girl Rising high impact network of non­profit partners working on the ground on behalf of girls around he world, as well as selected local non-profit organizations committed to girls education and welfare.