Metro Vancouver, BC – This fall, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and the Miss Representation Action Group (MRAG) will screen the groundbreaking investigation by acclaimed documentarian Liz Canner of the pharmaceutical industry and women’s health.
Orgasm, Inc. – which examines drug companies’ quest to find a cure for FSD: Female Sexual Dysfunction disease – has been presented and recognized all over the world, has run on the international festival circuit and has been named a Critic’s Pick by The New York Times. It was called a “deft exposé, sharp and healthily enraging” by the Los Angeles Times, and “extraordinary and revelatory” by The Times (of London).
And it’s coming to KPU Surrey on Wednesday, October 23.
The event will be hosted by the MRAG, a KPU-based group of inspired and passionate faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members who came together in response to the university’s Miss Representation documentary screening in January 2012. The screening of Orgasm, Inc. is the first of their 2013-2014 documentary series, which will focus on media misrepresentations of truths. Each event is meant to continue the discussions that began a year and a half ago about stereotypes, media misrepresentations and societal issues.
“I look forward to presenting Orgasm Inc. at KPU because it seems like the perfect campus to screen the documentary. From what I have heard, the faculty and students have a strong interest in social justice and exploring issues that affect sexuality, which are two major themes running through the film,” says Canner, whose previous projects include the critically acclaimed cyber art documentary “Symphony of a City” and Deadly Embrace, a film on the effects of IMF and World Bank policies. “The Miss Representation Action Group, with strong support and input from the Kwantlen Student Association, is putting together a student-centric event, which usually leads to a stimulating post-screening discussion."
The event – which runs from 4-8 p.m. in the Surrey campus conference centre (registration at 3:30) – is free and includes a keynote address by Canner and a town-hall discussion/Q&A with the director afterward. Participants must pre-register for the event at www.kpu.ca/missrep as seating is limited.
The documentary series is aimed at fostering an interdisciplinary culture of faculty, staff, student and public engagement through the viewing and discussion of documentary film. At the same time, it aims to sustain what is already an established community of learning and practice at KPU.
"I, along with my co-founder and colleague, Helen Mendes, am thrilled to welcome Liz Canner and her film, Orgasm Inc., to KPU as we kick off our 2013-2014 documentary series. Building on the success of our last three events and the 2012-2013 series, the MRAG looks forward to more critical examination of our immediate communities, our world and ourselves," says Janice Morris, co-founder and co-organizer of the MRAG.
To learn more about the Miss Representation Action Group, or to register for the event, please visit www.kpu.ca/missrep, email missrep@kpu.ca or contact Janice Morris (janice.morris@kpu.ca).
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
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For more information about KPU, contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
Tel: 604.599.2883
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca