In the spirit of celebrating Women’s History Month, The Women's Student Union and Women’s Studies Program of SUNY Fredonia will screen the film “Fire” on March 23, in Jewett Hall 101 at 7:30 p.m. The film is open for viewing by campus and community members free of charge.
The first in a trilogy by the director Deepa Mehta, "Fire" is a drama centered around two wives related by marriage in India. They are brought together by the oppressions of Indian traditions that force them into unwanted marital unions. The film demonstrates the harsh rules and expectations of women in the Indian culture and the emotional strains that results. The two women, in an attempt to overcome their difficulties, form a very moving, and sensual intimate relationship. The 1996 film was the first Indian film to explicitly show homosexual relations.
This year’s theme for Women’s History month, “Revealing Positions on Sexuality”, involves a slate of events that will provide audiences with the opportunity to position sexuality in a social and political contexts. One of their key themes is on the extent to which political and cultural forces limit and regulate sexuality, which this film demonstrates completely.
“We chose it because it addresses and explores two really important aspects of sexuality and relationships. One is the importance of social location and culture in shaping and regulating sexuality and relationships and two, the fluid nature of sexuality, especially for women,” says Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, director of women’s studies. “It supplements our slate of events because most of our other speakers are not focusing on sexual orientation or sexuality in a global context.”
To learn more about how SUNY Fredonia will celebrate this year’s Women’s History Month visit its website>>
