Celebrate International Women’s Day with Love Letters

World Film Premiere and Panel Discussion

Exploring Feminism, Women’s and LGBTQ+ Rights

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is partnering with Western Washington University to host “ ‘Love Letters’: A Film Premiere and Panel Discussion with Catharine R. Stimpson, Elizabeth Wood, and Greta Schiller,” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024, on the WWU Performing Arts Center Mainstage.

The 39-minute documentary is a profound story of love and activism between professor and feminist scholar Dr. Catharine R. Stimpson and musicologist Dr. Elizabeth Wood at the forefront of the narrative. The film highlights Wood's landmark legal victory in Australia during the 1970s to gain custody of her children. Both women, now in their 80s, reflect on their experiences during a time when living authentically, loving unapologetically, and fighting for fundamental human rights was considered radical. Motivated by the current younger generation's noble demonstrations of defiance, Wood and Stimpson will share their story with our community.

Director Schiller expressed gratitude for the release of the film on International Women's Day, stating: "I wanted to create something that was more intimate and personal." Schiller also emphasized that the film is a testament to old love. “Lesbian love can be just as long-lasting and devoted as any other romantic partnership, and that’s something to celebrate,”she said.

Schiller is an acclaimed director and producer of documentary films and the co-founder of Jezebel Productions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to women's filmmaking.

Audrey Sager, the President of the Board of the CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival and founder of the Sager Gellerman Eisner New York City law firm, will moderate the panel discussion immediately following the film.

Joining the conversation will be Bellingham native, Catharine R. Stimpson, known nationally for her groundbreaking contributions to the study of women and gender. She is a founder of feminist criticism and is celebrated for her work as a public intellectual and her public service. Elizabeth Wood is recognized as one of the pioneers who established new directions in modern musicology in addition to being a novelist. Acknowledging her innovative contributions to the field of musicology, she has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship, along with a recent commission from Glyndebourne Opera.

“CASCADIA is committed to highlighting the incredible stories women tell through film. By hosting this event, we not only fulfill our mission, but we have the opportunity to honor the powerful women behind this film and celebrate International Women’s Day with them,” said CASCADIA Executive Director Cheryl Crooks.

This special event is free of charge and open to the public, but tickets are necessary to accommodate the high level of interest. Please contact the WWU PAC Box Office for tickets.

ABOUT CASCADIA

CASCADIA International Women’s Film Festival is a nonprofit organization based in Bellingham, WA. and dedicated to supporting and showcasing the work of women filmmakers. The organization also works year-round to provide film production, exhibition, and distribution education. More information at www.cascadiafilmfest.org.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.

Celebrate International Women’s Day with “Love Letters”