Published: September 22, 2009 07:18 pm      

UCO features documentary director

EDMOND — The University of Central Oklahoma will host documentary film director Pamela Tanner Boll for a discussion and free screening of her recent film “Who Does She Think She Is?” at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at UCO’s Pegasus Theater.

Boll will answer questions about her “empowering” 2008 film, detailing the daily setbacks and successes of five contemporary female artists, said Barbara Broadwell, UCO assistant professor of art.

“We wanted to do this at this time of the year. We thought it would inspire people and get us off on the right foot. This is not just for women — we thought it would be a good community project,” said Charleen Weidell, associate art professor and chair woman of the UCO Art Department.

Boll, who lives in Massachusetts, also was one of the co-executive producers of “Born into Brothels: The Kids of Calcutta’s Red Light District.” The film won the 2005 Academy Award for best documentary film.

“Who Does She Think She Is?” weaves together the stories of five women across the country who relentlessly balance the needs of their families with those of their artistic careers. At the same time, the documentary shows society is often less than welcoming of women’s artistic endeavors.

The New York Times said the film was “an engaging documentary about the struggle to create art while nurturing life.”

“Who Does She Think She Is?” will be shown at UCO’s Pegasus Theater in the Liberal Arts Building, located near Bauman Avenue on the east side of the campus.

Boll will meet the next morning with students from UCO’s College of Arts, Media & Design.

Broadwell said she first saw the documentary last April when it became the highlight of a ceramics conference she was attending in Arizona.

“It’s a very powerful film, particularly for women. It almost pins you to your seat — you want to watch it again in case you missed something,” Broadwell said.

The film shows female artists often face a series of obstacles in pursing their artistic goals. For instance, though women make up the vast majority of art students in universities, including UCO, they are rarely represented in art museums, Broadwell said.

“It focuses on the very essence of difficulties that a creative woman faces in society, but it’s also a very empowering movie,” she said.



For a complete schedule of College of Arts, Media & Design performances and events, visit www.camd.uco.edu/events.

For more information, call 974-5201.