Press release submitted by Megan Stopulos

Junior League brings Sundance film "Miss Representation" to Putnam Giant Screen

Movie explores connection between women's representation in media and underrepresentation in positions of power and influence

(Davenport, Iowa) – The Junior League of the Quad Cities will host a community viewing for the acclaimed documentary film, "Miss Representation," at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 10, at the Putnam Museum's Giant Screen, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport, IA.

Director Jennifer Siebel Newsom explores how the media's misrepresentations of women have led to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011 and was received so well, it immediately acquired the Oprah Winfrey Network for their documentary film club.

The showing serves to kick-off JLQC's "I am …" campaign, an initiative committed to improving the perception and self-image of women through leadership and empowerment to inspire change. The organization is partnering with Quad-City area schools to create a teen girls' mentoring program as well as a community art project to explore how women in the community currently see themselves and create a platform for change.

According to statistics cited in the film, the U.S. is ranked 90th in the world for women in number of national legislators (Inter-Parliamentary Union). Women represent 83 percent of consumers in the US, but only 3 percent of women hold influential positions of power in mainstream media (www.misrepresentation.org). Cosmetic plastic surgery tripled in girls younger than 18 from 1997 to 2007 (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).

"Women are vibrant, contributing members of our society, yet we still portray them so negatively," said JLQC President Cristy Tackett-Hunt. "By bringing this film to the Quad Cities, the Junior League of the Quad Cities believes we can positively impact those statistics."

The film viewing is free, however seating is limited. After the film, JLQC will host a "Coffee & Conversation," featuring opportunities to continue the discussion, talk to other women's groups and enjoy dessert and coffee.

Sponsors of this event include: Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, the Robert Young Center for Community Mental Health and Farm Bureau Financial Services – Tiffany Lensch, Agent/Financial Advisor.

Those interested in attending should RSVP to at: http://www.jlqc.org/In-Action/Events. Learn more about the film at: http://www.missrepresentation.org/the-film/

The Junior League of the Quad Cities is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.