So often our cinemas and DVD shelves are flooded with films glamorising violence, sex and drugs that we forget to see anything with a little bit of substance. But that’s where Girl Rising steps in.
Girl Rising is a film created by Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins with the hope to deliver a key message: that educating girls will change the world. Nobody knows that better than 17-year-old Geelong local Janey Kennedy, who is aiming to get everyone in Geelong to watch the film – and just so happens to be the regional ambassador for the film.
“The film presents beautiful stories of nine girls in nine countries around the world and how each of them is changing their community or society through education,” Janey says.
Girl Rising travels to Cambodia, Haiti, Nepal, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Peru, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan to tell the unforgettable story of girls overcoming extreme odds to achieve their dreams. The film is voiced by names we commonly see on the blockbusters, with Cate Blanchett, Alicia Keys and Liam Neeson just a few of the A-list stars lending their vocals to the project.
Though Janey is just one small part of a massive movement taking over the world, the work she and like-minded individuals are achieving is all working towards the greater goal of equality.
“Last year on International Day of the Girl, there were over 2000 screenings held in over 150 countries around the world, including one in Geelong,” she says.
Instead of admiring Leonardo DiCaprio’s acting ability or the impressive gun fight sequence of popular movies, Girl Rising will have you leave the film with a newfound knowledge of the world.
“It has been proven that educating girls is the most direct way to eradicate poverty and improve the status of women everywhere,” Janey says. “An educated woman can earn 20 per cent more as an adult, which they will then invest in their family’s health and education, leading to stronger and more sustainable communities.”
For someone at such a young age, it may seem like a huge thing to take on while juggling VCE studies, but Janey is well on the way to exposing the film to the people of Geelong. She hopes that through screening the Girl Rising film she will create a powerful and long-lasting impression on people, rather than something as a means to entertain a boring Friday evening.
After holding a screening of the film last year and earlier this month, Janey is now trying to get Australian educators to share the Girl Rising curriculum with students. Like many of the Girl Rising ambassadors, each individual goal is working towards a bigger concept: where girls around the world are all given the same opportunities.
“My mission is to see every girl given the right to an education. I believe there needs to be equal opportunity for every girl in every country, and for women and girls to not be restricted by society because of their gender,” she says.
Janey will continue to hold events and screenings around Geelong, but also in Melbourne. To keep up-to-date with events and for more information, visit girlrising.com or ‘like’ Girl Rising Victoria on Facebook.
Written by Amanda Sherring