Today I met a real life hero

Today I had the chance to interview one of my (s)heroes, Eleonora Menicucci. She is the Minister of Women's Policy for Brazil. She and Presidenta Dilma Rousseff were revolutionaries together fighting against the dictatorship and when they were both in their 20s they were inprisoned and tortured. They were cell mates in prison and now Dilma is Presidenta and she has appointed Eleaonora as Minister. If you need some inspiration just click here to read more about these incredible women. I am so honored to have this opportunity to meet and speak with them in person.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/24/brazil-s-strong-stance-on-women-s-rights.html

And here are pictures of Veronica and I with the Minister (in front of the Presidenta's photo) and pictures of Brazil's beautiful and impressive capitol city Brasilia.

Rio - a review

Rio was quite wonderful. The crew includes myself, Heather Arnet (writer/director/producer) and Veronica Marques (Producer for ELAS in Brasil). Veronica is also the current Director of Communications and incoming Co-Executive Director of ELAS the women's fund in Brazil. We are joined by Nathan Golon (Cinematographer/Director of Photography); Emilia Freire (Line Producer), and interns Louisa and Carolina who are have been managing the logistics of everything on the ground. And in Rio we are also joined by our driver Marcus, security guard William, and Sound Assistant Junio.

So now you know the cast of characters. :-) Everyone has been wonderful to work with and so welcoming to us. In Rio we have interviewed many incredible women. Here are just a few highlights and photos below from our week in Rio:
- Day One: We interviewed Delanie Costa from IBAM who has held candidate trainings for women and is on the Board of UN Women & has amazing knowledge of women's political trends in Brazil. Then we interviewed Marta Rocha, Chief of Police for all of Rio and discussed her long career in the police force, her experience as the first woman Police Chief of Rio, and we visited a women's police station, especially created to be a place where women can come to report sexual assault, rape, or domestic violence and receive support and assistance from female police officer and specially trained male police officers.
- Day Two: We met with Candace "Cindy" Lessa, the Board Chair of ELAS who has also worked with Ashoka, and is a leader in the development of social change philanthropy and the non-profit (or as they call it here "the citizen sector") in Brazil.
- Then we went to interview Tia Surica at the Portela Samba School. Surica is an Internationally famous singer and samba dancer and she has been instrumental in the development of this school - one of the oldest and most famous in all of Rio. We watched Surica sing and dance with the children at the samba school and talk to us about the critical role samba plays in the culture of Rio and in these children's lives. AND the role it had in empowering her to become a successful woman when her beginnings were so modest.
- Day Three: We met with a political science scholar who has written books and made a documentary about the role of women in the construction trades and development of Brazil. She has also written books about the representation of women in government and was a tremendous resource to us, giving a historical perspective to the importance of Dilma's presidency. Then we visited and interviewed Lillian who lives in and runs a business in a Favela and is a grantee of ELAS.
- Day Four: day We met with Fernanda Keller, 10 time winner of the IronMan triathlon she is an incredible inspiration. So strong, so smart, so beautiful. She spoke of the power of sports to transform her life, and the lives of other women and girls, and how important it is to have a dream and to work hard and to go for it!
- Then we interviewed Eliane Potiguara, who is a writer and activist for the rights and legacy and rich history of the Indigenous People of Brazil. She is a very spiritual woman and this meeting was very powerful. She told us how she was speaking on behalf of generations and generations of ancestors. We spoke of the role of indigenous women in politics in Brazil now and into the future.
- Then we met with Benedita da Silva. WOW! First black woman elected to Rio's city council, then to Congress, then to the Vice Governorship of Rio, then Governor of Rio, and now the Federal Senate. She participated in the crafting of the new Brazilian constitution and she was instrumental in both Lula and Dilma's presidential campaigns. I look forward to coming back to Brazil to volunteer on her Presidential Campaign after Dilma has been re-elected to a second term of course!
And these are just some highlights of the 14 women we interviewed in Rio. Now we off to Brasilia and will write more from there. Love, Heather

In Honor of Kasandra Wade

Those of you in Pittsburgh know that today there is a candle light vigil being held for our friend Kasandra Wade who was killed by her ex boyfriend two weeks ago, leaving her son motherless & our community shattered. That day she called 911 but when the police came - her ex said to them from the window of her apartment that everything was fine. That they did not need to come in. And without even seeing her they left. The next day they found her dead. Her ex shot her & then later that day he shot himself. The "What Ifs...." plague us.

I am in Brazil. Here I have met with the female Chief of Police for all of Rio (who is a woman), I have visited "women's police stations" that serve women & where female police officers are in charge, I have heard & learned so many new perspectives on how the women here are struggling & problem solving these complex issues here. I will write more later tonight. But for now here are pictures of Veronica & I with the Police Chief & at the women's police station. I have told all of them of Kasandra & while you in Pittsburgh are at the rally. We will be thinking of her & all of you from the other side of the Equator.

Day One - beautiful!

Day One - beautiful!
From the plane I could see Rio beneath...green, mountainous, mysterious.
Veronica is the most gracious host. She picked us up at the airport and has everything so organized for this wonderful adventure! Here are some photos from the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel.
Day one has included a quick film shoot at the airport, some downtime (a mid-day post-plane nap),  then a fantastic production meeting with Veronica and Nathan reviewing tomorrow's filming schedule and the production overview for our week in Rio. And now we are off to dinner.

Oh Rio Rio and She Dances on the Plane

Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand

Just like that river twisting through a dusty land

And when she shines she really shows you all she can

Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande - Duran Duran

So, after two years of planning the big day is finally here! I leave to Rio this evening. Several of you have asked me to give an update on what this project is. Well, the best way for me to do that, is to show you this - our film trailer. For the next six months, I will be on sabbatical from WGF. During this time I will be dedicating myself to making a film titled, "Madame Presidentá: Why Not U.S.?" which will be aired on PBS in 2014 (and screened in Pittsburgh in the fall of 2013). (The working title has been Vamos Meninas). From there it will travel to PBS stations and community screenings throughout the country. So, let me know if you want to host a screening in your neck of the woods. Today I set off and filming begins. Stay tuned to this blog where I'll be posting daily updates. Luv, h

Click Here to Watch the Trailer!!!!!   Then post below to let me know what you think. Obrigada! heather

Bus ride to Philly

Today I find myself on a megabus to Philadelphia chaperoning four girls from WGF's GirlGov program to a conference at Bryn Mawr College. Hope to have time this weekend for a real post on the blog.

Summer Book Club

So, like many of you I am gearing up for summer by stocking my beach bag w/ fun reads. How about starting a virtual feminist fiction book club? Below are some of my favorites (new & old) that I plan to read (or re-read) this summer. Join me and post your thoughts and your other favorites here...at the blog. Here is my Summer Six to get us started!

 

1. Steamy Favorite: Eat Me by Linda Jaivin
The rest of this list is PG but this one is definitely Rated R! But why not start w/ the hot stuff right? Ok so yes I have heard a lot about "Fifty Shades of Grey" and no I have not read it yet. I just can't.  In college I read Pamela and got my kicks from Story of O but I think at this stage of life my fantasies just are not about being tied up by immature powerful older men...however, flip that scenario and you have something! So...with that in mind I encourage you to read Eat Me - as the book jacket says, "The opening chapters make the famous fridge sequence of 9 1/2 weeks look about as explicit as a public information film."

 

2. Historical Fiction Favorite: The All True Travels and Adventures of Liddie Newton by Jane Smiley
I love Liddie - a heroine with "a sharp tongue and backbone; who prefers to swim, shoot, ride and fish rather than spend a minute over the stove or with a darning needle."  This book includes action, romance, and I learned about a chapter in American history I knew very little about - the fight for the independence (and anti-slavery ideals) of the Kansas Territory.

3. Escape Favorite: Amazon by Barbara G. Walker
Now most of you know that I have a special place in my heart for Amazon warriors (like Wonder Woman). So, how fun is it to take a moment to escape from reality and consider what would happen if an Amazon Warrior from antiquity were to find herself propelled into modern day United States? Find out by reading this fun, smart, perfect beach read!

 

4. Favorite Mystery: Everything You Have Is Mine by Sandra Scoppettone
Lauren Laurano, Manhattan PI and former FBI agent, is 40ish, feisty, quick-witted and gay. In her engaging debut she solves a complicated case that begins with the rape and subsequent murder of a young woman named Lake Huron, who ran a computer dating service. I love this whole series. A funny, smart, lesbian detective. What is not to love?

5. Favorite Love Story: Passionate Minds by David Bodanis
A male author?!? I know, but this is the coolest book. It tells the true life tale of "the great love affair of the mathematician and scientist Emilie du Chatelet and the poet Voltaire." Who knew? The romantic pairing of two strong dynamic minds; poetic verse; sword fights; scientific inventions; book burnings; tragic love...so good first you'll read it and then you'll run to find your favorite female teen or college student to loan it to.

6. Just the Most Mind Blowing Awesome Thing to Read this Summer:
Sex Wars: A Novel of Gilded Age New York by Marge Piercy
this book is a revelation and a revolution! "Life is hard in post-Civil War New York, but change is in the air. Women are agitating for the vote and immigrants are pouring into the city, bringing a new spirit in their wake." Starring Victoria Woodhull, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and a young russian Jewess named Fredeh just trying to make a way in New York on her own..the book is filled with humor, and the prose is so beautiful and so "real" that you will feel that you are walking the streets of New York with these early American women entrepreneurs, activists, presidential candidates, stock brokers, and madames. Woodhull, the first woman to run for President in the U.S. and the first female stock broker is complex and fascinating. Shame on all of us for knowing so little about her and applause for Piercy who brings this lost historical character to life in this memorable and utterly enjoyable novel.