Main Line filmmaker Hemitra Crecraft will debut “From Girl to Woman” on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 pm at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave, Bryn Mawr. A multimedia DVD in four segments, “From Girl to Woman” is designed to delight and inspire girls as it broadens their understanding and appreciation of physical, emotional and spiritual transformations that begin at the onset of puberty.
Crecraft, who has been teaching empowerment programs for women and girls along the Main Line for the past 15 years, points out that archeologists have uncovered evidence that in early societies women were highly respected and held positions of leadership.
“They were thought to have magical powers. It was awesome that every 28 days, in rhythm with the moon’s cycle, their bodies released the nutrient-rich blood that lines the uterus. Imagine a being who can bleed and not die in the process! Furthermore, she could give birth to new life and provide ideal nourishment for the newborn from her own body. A girl’s entry into womanhood was a cause for celebration.”
Crecraft sees the shift in attitudes toward women occurring when patriarchal religious views supplanted the adoration of Nature, or the Earth Mother. Women’s close connection to Nature now made them objects of fear, and they were labeled “unclean” during their “moontime.” “And,” says Crecraft, “in recent times, generations of girls have been taught in a dry, clinical way about their fertility cycle, as something that you have to put up with rather than appreciate. This disdain for our bodies and our fertility cycle has disempowered us. It’s not surprising that many studies reveal that a girl’s self-esteem diminishes at puberty.”
Besides exploring indigenous teachings and coming of age celebrations from Native American, Latina, African American, Jewish, Hindu, Japanese and contemporary women’s traditions, the film “From Girl to Woman” highlights some of the ceremonies Crecraft has led in the local area to honor girls entering into womanhood.
“It is a turning point for the young women who are initiated at these ceremonies,” says Crecraft. “They feel more connected to a larger web of life, to the sacredness of their own bodies, to the cycles of nature and the circle of women who honored them.”
The film is part of a global Coming of Age project that also includes workbooks and other materials to be utilized in the classroom and at home. The project components are designed to elevate a girl’s self-esteem, teach her to make wise choices, improve the bond of trust and intimacy between mother and daughter, and lead to self discovery.
Hemitra Crecraft served as producer, director, screen writer and narrator for the three-year project, which was partially filmed on location in Wayne. Cast and crew members came from across the five-county region. Emmy award winning filmmaker, Roberta Cantow, who resides in San Diego, CA, was the executive editor on the project and will be attending the premiere.
Julia Haines will provide celtic harp music as guests arrive on the red carpet. The May 3 film premiere will be followed by a Q & A session with the film director and other key production members. A reception will be held immediately afterwards and copies of the DVD and Coming of Age kits will be available for sale.
The film, endorsed by Kids First, Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, is deemed appropriate for mixed gender audiences ages 10 and up. Tickets can be purchased in advance up until 6 pm on May 2 for $10 at www.womanwisdom.com or for $15 at the door. For further information, call: 610-644-8965 or email:info@womanwisdom.com.
