[Peace] The Buzz - Two controversial films premier at the Independent Media Center

[Brian Dolinar]

Friday night, 7pm, at the Independent Media Center

"Abortion Democracy" and "The Coat Hanger Project"

A forum with the filmmakers will be held following the screenings.

Berlin-based Sarah Diehl's film, "Abortion Democracy: Poland/South Africa,"
compares and contrasts abortion policy in the two countries and argues for a
liberalization of abortion laws.

Angie Young's "The Coat Hanger
Project<http://www.thecoathangerproject.com/>" focuses about the
current state of the US pro-choice/reproductive justice
movement
35 years after Roe v. Wade and specifically targets the post-1973
generation.
Two controversial films premier at the Independent Media Center Abortion in
the "Post-1973 Generation"

*Sep. 18, 2008* - by Jeff Brandt <http://the217.com/authors/portfolio/995> –
buzz Writer

 Abortion. There's a chance just reading that word pissed you off. Few
issues in American politics ignite as much anger and controversy as a
woman's right (or lack thereof) to terminate childbirth. Conservatives and
liberals, believers and atheists, mothers and daughters, teenage boyfriends
and teenage girlfriends — the polarizing topic seems to ignite argument
among pretty much everyone. A double-feature to be screened this Friday in
Urbana will address the debate head-on.

Rookie filmmakers Sarah Diehl (originally from Berlin) and Angie Young
(originally from Cleveland) will present their debut documentaries — both
serving as arguments for the liberalization of abortion laws — at 7 p.m. in
the Independent Media Center. Diehl's Abortion Democracy: Poland/South
Africa compares and contrasts abortion policy in the two countries. Young's
*The Coat Hanger Project* focuses on the current state of the US
pro-choice/reproductive justice movement 35 years after Roe v. Wade,
specifically targeting what she calls the "Post-1973 Generation."

The latter movie sports quite the attention-grabbing logo: a red-stained
coat hanger and blood splotches dotting a white backdrop. Why use such a
bold moniker and accom-

panying visual art?

"The coat hanger is a symbol for what it was like for women before Roe v.
Wade, and even today in places around the world where abortion is illegal,"
Young said. "When access to abortion is restricted, abortion still
continues. It happens. And women die from it, because when it comes down to
it, a woman will do what she has to do in order to terminate a pregnancy."

A state ban scare in 2006 inspired the 28-year-old Washington D.C. resident
to record footage of counter-protester rallies and interviews with leaders
of the reproductive justice movement.

"I was working at the National Abortion Federation, and that is the year
that South Dakota put forth a total ban on abortion," Young said. "The
governor signed, and the bill was brought to the people to vote on."

The state politicians' attempt to pass a law without allowing exceptions for
incest and/or rape victims signaled a turning point in the American public's
perception on abortion.

"It was the first time a ban to this degree almost passed," Young said. "It
was definitely brought up to go to Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade."

Much to Young's relief, the people of South Dakota rejected the new
legislation. But activists of the pro-choice persuasion aren't in the clear
yet. Young fears enthusiasm for pro-choice politics has undergone a "slow
erosion" since the federal government legalized abortion.

"If McCain and Palin win the election, we're going to lose Roe v. Wade,
period," Young said. "It has been planned that way. Roe v. Wade is on the
table to be overturned. This election is going to decide that, and people
need to know."

Symptoms of America's waning sympathy for mothers seeking abortions have
popped up in recent Hollywood cinema.

"The anti-choice people have the upper hand right now. It's been a slow
change, but I definitely feel like it's in the culture. You've got*Juno*.
Teen pregnancy has become glamorous," Young said. "You've got the
movie *Knocked
Up* where they wouldn't even say the word 'abortion.' It's definitely not OK
to talk about."

There's no telling if the touring documentarians' films will change any
minds. But one thing is for sure: if Young's fears come true, sexually
active Americans who don't want babies had better stock up on condoms and
birth control pills, plan on adoption, save up for a plane ticket, or else
come to terms with glutting landfills with gory wire hangers.
-- 
Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com
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