Wilmette Theatre Presents THE FAMILY OF WOMAN FILM FESTIVAL, Now thru 4/13

Wilmette, IL -- The Family of Woman Film Festival will make its inaugural debut at the Wilmette Theatre over this weekend, April 11 - 13th. Established in Sun Valley, Idaho in 2008, the Festival features films that raise awareness of important issues facing women here and abroad. This year's series of films were specifically chosen for screening at the Wilmette Theatre by the Festival's founder, Peggy Elliot Goldwyn.

Goldwyn has been immersed in the film industry for decades, including 20 years as vice-president of the Samuel Goldwyn Company. In recent years, Goldwyn has become closely involved with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The Film Festival supports the UNFPA, which provides health care for and promotes the rights of women in more than 150 countries.

Three feature-length documentaries will be screened at the Wilmette Theatre:

"A Walk to Beautiful," Friday, April 11th - This Emmy award-winning documentary follows the lives of five Ethiopian women who endured and overcame obstetric fistula, a life-shattering injury caused during childbirth. As a result of her work on this project, filmmaker Allison Shigo began a new career path and founded the not-for-profit, Healing Hands of Joy.

Filmmaker Allison Shigo will participate in a Q&A session following the film.

"Salaam Dunk," Saturday, April 12th - Seattle educator Ryan Bubalo was seeking adventure when he accepted a position as an English language teacher for the American University in Iraq. He'd never coached a sports team before and, therefore, was surprised to learn that his duties at the University would include coaching the woman's basketball team. This film follows Bubalo and his Iraqi team during their first year together as they discover what it means to be athletes and friends in the difficult political, economic, cultural and ethnic/sectarian divide.

Coach Ryan Bubalo and team captain, Yousra Kamoona will participate in a Q&A session following the film.

"The Invisible War," Sunday, April 13th - is a groundbreaking investigative documentary and Academy Award nominated film about one of America's most shameful and best kept secrets: the epidemic of rape within the U.S. military. The film paints a startling picture of the extent of the problem by focusing on the powerful, emotional stories of rape victims. 'The Invisible War' exposes the systemic cover-up of military sex crimes, chronicling the women's struggles to rebuild their lives and fight for justice.

Tickets are $10 per film or $25 for all three films. Visit www.wilmettetheatre.com for additional details and to purchase tickets.

About The Family of Woman Film Festival: The Sun Valley, Idaho-based Family of Woman Film Festival was established seven years ago by Peggy Elliot Goldwyn. Its goal is to support the work of the United Nations Population Fund and to raise awareness about serious issues affecting the lives of women worldwide. This is the Festival's inaugural appearance at the Wilmette Theatre.

About United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): Founded in 1969, UNFPA is on the ground, improving lives, in more than 150 countries. Priority is placed on reaching those with the greatest needs, whether it be related to poverty, marginalization, age, sex, ethnicity or health.

About The Wilmette Theatre: The not-for-profit Wilmette Theater is the premiere multi-arts and performance center anchoring the downtown Wilmette business district by providing vibrant entertainment, education and enrichment for the community.

About Peggy Elliot Goldwyn: Peggy Elliot Goldwyn began her career as a writer for situation comedy television shows including "That Girl," "The Odd Couple," "Happy Days" and others. She's written and directed documentaries, is a published author and blogs for The Huffington Post. Her children are also actively involved in the film industry: Tony stars in the TV series, "Scandal," and Peter has just released the film "Anita."

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