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Liriel Higa and Joshua Bennett on a new documentary that utilizes social media to fight the oppression of women and girls worldwide
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Came back here on sad I want to tell you that documentary that could make a difference in the lives of so many women.
And you can get involved too which is a beautiful thing you're not -- just hear stories.
You're gonna have an empowering experience that will be up call to action.
I just came up with that that's true right.
Let me introduce you to the filmmakers -- will be on PBS tonight at 9 PM eastern.
And also 9 PM on the West Coast 8 central.
Larry L -- is that social media strategist and from the organization half the sky.
And Joshua Bennett is the producer.
-- half the sky and some of the names you know that are involved with the project Diane Lane Meg Ryan Eva Mendez.
-- -- real union America for.
We'll see when we watched -- documentary thanks so much for coming and -- thank you so much.
-- -- -- -- -- And you know -- actresses involved in half the sky were thrilled to join this and be part as well because.
They also believe that an.
The oppression of women and girls around the world it's really the central -- talents of our time.
-- it and that's why.
Would have happened the -- Leave.
Are really trying to make this the most socially Emerson documentary at her.
And it's happening this message out to people want as many platforms as possible and give us -- Preview we'll have this guy takes off from that because McChrystal insurer would -- book of the same name and really.
It's -- merging powerful documentary storytelling.
When it continent's social media tools we're real sense we really are trying to reach people of every on the -- -- given the keys to empower them to do something to.
Feel that they can.
Contribute to this movement for women and girls for -- -- I would say the pieces.
It's a documentary series -- -- on tonight and tomorrow and I should say that there are many people involved in this morris' answer is we have an incredible team and they can show.
Aren't credible journalists and advocates and their own right you -- This kind of work if you don't really care about the world I mean that's -- Absolutely I -- entries are not huge moneymakers it's not in a theater it's on PBS it's for the benefit of people -- -- watching to become more knowledgeable.
What will they learn and what would you like them to do with the information specifically.
Well I think they'll learn that you know.
Everybody can be a part of the solution it's small things when amplified by social media.
To make huge differences and donation of ten dollars can go towards building the school for children in Vietnam.
Everybody can have a -- and -- a piece of the solution and we see that again and again with all of the -- and currently have going.
We had young girls you know the midwest raised 300000 dollars after reading up sky.
And I don't mean that's returned to Africa so the possibilities are endless and if you give people that the story -- can inspire them.
Quit.
Tools that they can -- and make their -- I think concede that changed just moves dramatically especially.
-- -- what countries are hurting women amounts and I don't mean physical harm only.
I mean.
Preventing them from pursuing dreams and opportunities.
Are even living and standards that are acceptable.
Well for the documentary we traveled to some of the country's.
Where the conditions are are quite -- so for example Somaliland.
Where wanted twelve minute when -- dies in childbirth.
They went Cambodia where and looked -- sex trafficking.
It if you tune in tonight and he'll he'll get to see both.
You know some of that most extreme.
Circumstances but also amazingly inspiring.
People who are working to -- to change that and provide hope.
You know when you see a situation and let me and you didn't.
Learn about the back -- on the dedication and the qualifications of ambassador Chris Stephenson others like him who go into these areas knowing that there's a risk but they care so much about the local people that they want to make a change.
It's very difficult work to do do you think that your document -- will encourage more people to say you know we -- to join the peace corps.
Me and you don't hear about college.
And high school kids aren't -- -- -- -- -- -- do you think that there could be another movement among young people to go out in the world and make a difference.
I think so I mean I think that's what we hope witness the social media with social media and received it already and I think it's important to note these problems are worldwide they're not just in India or Cambodia quite get here around the country -- -- recently had.
Sex trafficking cases in New York City in all places so I think that.
It's across borders -- across countries and social media announced connecting people on our website alone we have thousands and thousands of people -- here.
We're excited that are part of the movement were clamoring for more tools and work to do to get involved and I think we're already sitting and peek at the moment women and girls around the world now and.
Looking at some web site to which has so much more information and people can help right -- you bring up the situation in the US my last question was going to be a lot of people will say.
That's terrific that.
Regular folks and celebrities are reaching out and getting involved in other countries.
And my families personally.
-- costs form -- far you know I don't talk about a lot but but I also do a lot of things here too it's really important that you get what you can and some critics might say you should only focus on what our problems are let's say like -- Camden, New Jersey.
I think that's a fair comment and I think that.
I think when you see these problems you realize that there are problems that tie us all together our shared humanity.
-- young girl being sold -- trafficking for sexual slavery is a problem that we should all feel like we should be a part of the solution for I think you'll hear it again and again in the film.
We need to raise their voices together and say this kind of treatment must stop and I think as long as we are committed to our own values here in the United States.
We should see that there is a common credit humanity and common values which controls parts -- -- This is kind of thing that were growing up here in new York and doing that -- great field trip to the United Nations he always believed that they had all of this under control.
And that's the kind of thing but you as individuals have chosen to get involved in this and make a difference and I'm sure you well and I would really encourage everybody to go to the web site.
And also you -- your on Twitter.
Half the sky and the book is half the -- the movie is half the static documentary tonight and tomorrow night to parks.
-- you want to make sure you check it out again 9 PM eastern on PBS check your local station and also 8 PM central.
And again 9 PM also out on the West Coast there's no excuse now for people not to check it out and help.
And even five dollars could make a huge difference nice sunny she's -- thanks.
Thanks and I appreciate your time.
