The pastoral farmlands surrounding the Central California Women’s Facility, the world’s largest women’s prison, help conceal the reproductive and human rights violations transpiring inside its walls.
Salt Lake City native Erika Cohn (In Football We Trust, The Judge) newest film is a powerful example of how filmmaking can open our eyes to issues that may otherwise be pushed out of the public by the powers at be. This is presented in partnership with the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah whom will moderate the post-film discussion.
A courageous woman who was involuntarily sterilized at the facility, teams up with a radical lawyer to stop these violations. They spearhead investigations that uncover a series of statewide crimes, primarily targeting women of color, from inadequate access to healthcare to sexual assault to illegal sterilization. Together, with a team of tenacious heroines, both in and out of prison, they take to the courtroom to fight for reparations. But no one believes them. As additional damning evidence is uncovered by the Center for Investigative Reporting, a media frenzy and series of hearings provide hope for some semblance of justice. Yet, doctors and prison officials contend that the procedures were in each person’s best interest and of an overall social benefit. Invoking the weight of the historic stain and legacy of eugenics, Belly of the Beast presents a decade long, infuriating contemporary legal drama.
Phone: 385-282-7315
Email: rroots@utahfilmcenter.org
2020/10/13 - 2020/10/13
Additional time info:
Salt Lake City native Erika Cohn (In Football We Trust, The Judge) newest film is a powerful example of how filmmaking can open our eyes to issues that may otherwise be pushed out of the public by the powers at be. This is presented in partnership with the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah whom will moderate the post-film discussion.
A courageous woman who was involuntarily sterilized at the facility, teams up with a radical lawyer to stop these violations. They spearhead investigations that uncover a series of statewide crimes, primarily targeting women of color, from inadequate access to healthcare to sexual assault to illegal sterilization. Together, with a team of tenacious heroines, both in and out of prison, they take to the courtroom to fight for reparations. But no one believes them. As additional damning evidence is uncovered by the Center for Investigative Reporting, a media frenzy and series of hearings provide hope for some semblance of justice. Yet, doctors and prison officials contend that the procedures were in each person’s best interest and of an overall social benefit. Invoking the weight of the historic stain and legacy of eugenics, Belly of the Beast presents a decade long, infuriating contemporary legal drama.
Online/Virtual Space
Online/Virtual, UT 00000