Did You Hear About: "Women In The World" - WIM-N's Film Festival

Today is the kickoff for the "Women In The World" Women In Media - Newark's Women's History Month Film Festival, which runs through April 6th. I originally planned to add this to my events calendar in my lovely sidebar on the right, but this occasion felt far too important to not receive a much larger broadsheet.

For residents or nearby residents of New Jersey, the 8th annual WIM-N Film Festival is a wonderful way to finish Women's History Month strong and celebrate the work and achievements of arts, activists and community alike in their collective goal to raise the voices of women throughout the city, the nation and the world. From art exhibits to jazz concerts to award ceremonies, each event is free and open to the public.

But don't let the "Newark" label lead you to think this is only for those who call the city home. Several events take place in Monmouth and Union counties, extending the reach of our Brick City community and encouraging everyone to know more about the efforts of these brilliant women and the mountains they climb. The films featured this year tackle critical issues like human trafficking, community policing and polygamy, but also delivers a medley of messages in the form of animation, thrillers, documentaries and dramas.

This weeklong celebration of women both local and abroad may pay tribute to their strength, but it also helps inform and bear witness to the diversity that surrounds us and the connections that bind us.

If you happen to reside outside the tri-state area, please keep a look out for these artists and filmmakers as they share their stories throughout the year. And should you find their work in your neck of the woods, go, watch and raise your voice.