Sociology

This video explores the vitality of ancient African traditions regarding the links between life and death.

Examines the West African religious institution of trokosi, where young women are chosen to serve an indefinite period of servitude for crimes committed long ago by their grandparents and even great-grandparents.

Examines the social and political struggle of South Africa's black community today, when they must deal with the after-effects of decades of apartheid rule.

A look at working women in Latin America and their efforts to achieve equality in the home and workplace. Most combine their participation in the labor market with their family functions as mothers and wives, thus working a `double day.'

Profiles Sue Ann McKean, one of the most charismatic personalities involved in women's bodybuilding, who sees herself not as an athlete but as an artist. Amidst the controversy the sport arouses over society's notions of appropriate gender roles, McKean argues that bodybuilding for women does not diminish their femininity but develops their sense of self-sufficiency and self-assertiveness.

Examines the situation of women coal miners in the U.S., their struggle to be hired, their day-to-day lives in the mines, the economic necessity that first made them seek work as miners, and the opposition they face from their families, the community and their male coworkers.

This cinema-verite documentary examines one of America's most exclusive and enduring social traditions--the debutante ball. The film focuses on the National Debutante Cotillion at the Washington Hilton, following the preparations of Jill Schweitzer, one of the new generation of debs who see beyond the traditional ritual to the valuable career and business connections that can be made.

Puerto Rico has the highest incidence of female sterilization in the world. Over one-third of all Puerto Rican women of childbearing age have been sterilized. So common is the operation that it is simply known as ‘la operacion.' Using newsreels and excerpts from government propaganda films, plus interviews with Puerto Rican women, doctors, birth control specialists and politicians, this film explores the controversial use of sterilization as a means of population control.

Each year, an estimated 30 to 55 million women throughout the world obtain induced abortions. More than half of these abortions are illegal and an estimated 84,000 of them result in death. This cross-cultural survey shows how abortion transcends race, religion and social class, and how differences in the practice and perception of abortion are mainly in the degree of secrecy and danger accompanying it.

Interweaves the stories of six women who were profoundly affected by the choices available to them prior to the legalization of abortion. The influence of family, friends, and the prevailing sexual mores of the period are explored through each woman's discussion of her pregnancy and sense of choice.

Examines beauty pageants and the images of women they promote, allowing both pageant supporters and protestors to express their viewpoints. The film focuses on the Miss California Beauty Pageant and the emotionally charged debate that has occurred in recent years.

Offers a lively mixture of contemporary interviews and archival film footage in a thoughtful examination of the social phenomenon of the `flapper,' the provocative `New Woman' of America's Roaring '20s.

The storytelling tradition of the southern Appalachians comes to life through actress/writer Clarinda Ross's portrayal of four generations of her maternal ancestors.

Examines the increasing participation of women in motorcycle riding, whether as hobby or profession. Produced by two women motorcyclists, the video interviews women involved in both amateur and professional motorcycle sports-including drag, sidecar and road racing, hill climbing, motocross competition, and trials riding-as well as motorcycle hobbyists.

Features intimate discussions among women, as well as a class of fourth and fifth grade girls, about their menstruation experiences and their difficulties in talking about their periods.

Portrays religious terrorism in Pensacola, Florida, which has become the epicenter of the national debate over abortion, including a 1984 clinic bombing, the 1993 murder of a clinic physician, and the 1994 murder of another clinic physician and his escort.

This video, focusing on the experience of a frightened teenager, exposes the deceptive practices of so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers," which advertise themselves as women's health clinics, but which are actually staffed by anti-abortion volunteers who use misinformation and scare tactics to dissuade women from having abortions.

This video exposes the deceptive activities of so-called "Crisis Pregnancy Centers," which advertise themselves as women's health clinics. These Centers are not staffed by medical personnel but by trained anti-abortion volunteers who use misinformation and scare tactics to dissuade women from having abortions.

Five teen-aged Latinas living in San Francisco's Mission District-most of them recent immigrants from Mexico or other Central American countries-talk frankly about their lives, from discrimination and school , to friends and family relationships, experiences with gang activity and violence, and plans for the future. Their comments are blended with footage of neighborhood life and other activities to provide meaningful insights into the everyday lives of young Hispanic women in the U.S. today.

This video tells the true story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, a 20-year-old woman who, disguised as a man, enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War. She initially worked as a male nurse, later disguised herself as a black soldier and a woman refugee and engaged in espionage work behind enemy lines, and fought as a soldier in battles at Antietam and Fredericksburg, among others.