Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide

2-Disc DVD Set Details: Six Stories From Around The Globe That Both Disturb And Inspire
"Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide" made its broadcast premiere as a part of PBS's Independent Lens series and was introduced by George Clooney. Although gender inequality is certainly not a new topic, New York Times reporters (and Pulitzer Prize winners) Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDann explored the globe while writing the acclaimed 2009 bestseller on which this four hour presentation is based. They covered stories both harrowing and heartfelt. Encountering seemingly hopeless situations, they met courageous individuals who worked within the system (or oftentimes against it) to help affect positive change. They attracted enormous media attention upon the book's publication, so the expectations for this documentary series were high. Kristof is a major face in this production and he has enlisted some famous names to participate in the various segments of the film.

Here's a run down of the chapters:

1) Eva Mendes in Sierra...

half the sky, all the earth
I sat mesmerized by this incredible documentary. It achieved its purpose. It opened my eyes and my heart to the tremendous need for education of everyone about the travesty of the destruction of innocence in sexually enslaved children as young as two and three years of age. Sexual slavery has been around for a long time and it is time to stop it. It is time to be aware of what is happening and stop it. It is time to support all those who have worked to bring awareness to the rest of us. Half the Sky documentary is an excellent example of awareness raising educational film making. I was blown away by the balance of horror and lovingkindness portrayed. Kudos to all involved in this process of consiousness raising. Awesome! Thank you.

A Powerful Advocate for the Most Disenfranchised
Just saw this documentary on PBS this evening and was deeply touched by the brave, resourceful and resilient women it features, and their personal journeys from utter despair to a sense of hope and direction. This video underscores how, despite the unimaginable atrocities endured by women across the planet and particularly in developing countries, with some basic practical help, they absolutely have the potential to move beyond the enslavement, disempowerment and suffering to become positive role models, movers and leaders in their communities and to break the cycle of abuse in future generations. Besides giving regular people some ideas of how we can make a difference, this project also shows how those who have achieved a high level of success and, in some cases, fame, can make all the more impact by using their status, resources and limelight to highlight and champion those who are the most disenfranchised. For in helping those who have the least, collectively, we can experience the...

Click to Editorial Reviews