Film inspires silence
Jessy Chisholm
Issue date: 2/23/09 Section: News
A V-Day documentary shown last Tuesday at the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) left viewers speechless.
Approximately 20 people gathered in the dimly lit auditorium for the viewing of "What I Want My Words To Do To You," which is a documentary about writing workshops conducted in prison.
"I came because I thought that the documentary sounded interesting," said Sheila Jones, a member of the audience. "There is so much said by these women that we do not get to hear. I think it is good that we hear their views."
The others near her agreed it was the idea of the film that interested them and sparked curiosity about the its content.
John Casner, the lone male in the group and an employee of the Workforce Partnership of Kansas City, said he attended the event because he works with people who were recently released from prison.
All seemed curious. Most were uncertain about what this movie had to say.
"What I Want My Words To Do To You" was directed by Eve Ensler, who is best known for her creation "The Vagina Monologues."
This documentary is directly connected to Ensler's most recent play "Any One of Us," which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in Pierson Auditorium.
Created in 2003, the film allows the audience to view one of Ensler's writing workshops at New York's Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
It follows the creatively written journeys of 15 female inmates, many of whom were convicted of murder and have been sentenced to the facility for life.
Through a series of exercises and discussions, the women explore their pasts. They define what it means to let go, fight, break-down and rebuild relationships.
The raw emotions and moving insights opened eyes and sparked feelings of strength and courage.
At the end of the documentary, no one moved until the lights were raised and everyone exited the room in total silence.
The women from the film had obviously touched all who had watched.
"I wish with my words to give you glimpses of the life I've lived, of the life I am living," said Betsy Ramos, one of the inmates followed in the film. "So that you will know me, and therefore be able to judge me on the merit of who I truly am."
Judging from the loss of words of the audience that night, she and the 14 other women in the film successfully gave an insight into their own lives and truly touched the lives of those watching.
jchisholm@unews.com
Approximately 20 people gathered in the dimly lit auditorium for the viewing of "What I Want My Words To Do To You," which is a documentary about writing workshops conducted in prison.
"I came because I thought that the documentary sounded interesting," said Sheila Jones, a member of the audience. "There is so much said by these women that we do not get to hear. I think it is good that we hear their views."
The others near her agreed it was the idea of the film that interested them and sparked curiosity about the its content.
John Casner, the lone male in the group and an employee of the Workforce Partnership of Kansas City, said he attended the event because he works with people who were recently released from prison.
All seemed curious. Most were uncertain about what this movie had to say.
"What I Want My Words To Do To You" was directed by Eve Ensler, who is best known for her creation "The Vagina Monologues."
This documentary is directly connected to Ensler's most recent play "Any One of Us," which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in Pierson Auditorium.
Created in 2003, the film allows the audience to view one of Ensler's writing workshops at New York's Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
It follows the creatively written journeys of 15 female inmates, many of whom were convicted of murder and have been sentenced to the facility for life.
Through a series of exercises and discussions, the women explore their pasts. They define what it means to let go, fight, break-down and rebuild relationships.
The raw emotions and moving insights opened eyes and sparked feelings of strength and courage.
At the end of the documentary, no one moved until the lights were raised and everyone exited the room in total silence.
The women from the film had obviously touched all who had watched.
"I wish with my words to give you glimpses of the life I've lived, of the life I am living," said Betsy Ramos, one of the inmates followed in the film. "So that you will know me, and therefore be able to judge me on the merit of who I truly am."
Judging from the loss of words of the audience that night, she and the 14 other women in the film successfully gave an insight into their own lives and truly touched the lives of those watching.
jchisholm@unews.com
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