Screen/Society--Special Events--"Zemene" w/ Q&A

Film Screening: "Zemene" (Melissa Donovan, 2014, 68 min, USA, in English, Color, DCP) / "Zemene" is a full-length documentary that follows a spirited 10-year old Ethiopian girl, Zemenework (Zemene), as she fights to keep hope alive and survive her life-threatening condition of Kyphosis, a severe curvature of the spine. Set in the beautiful countryside of Ethiopia, the story begins in Zemene's small rural village of Belessa. Zemene is a shy, malnourished girl who has a slim chance at a healthy life. She was orphaned at a young age due to her mother's untimely death and her father's abandonment, leaving her aging grandparents to raise her. By complete chance or fate, Zemene's need for help is unexpectedly met when she crosses paths with Dr. Rick Hodes as she walks past a coffee shop he frequents. Dr. Hodes provides the support and resources she needs to gain physical strength and an education. Five years after her journey began, Zemene, a much healthier, radiant young woman returns to her home to retrace the steps of her past. On this journey she realizes she stands between two worlds: her rural village where young women have few choices, and her life in the city where dreams are attainable through education. / "It's a reminder of our humanity and the great work that one person can do to change another person's life. Just brilliant."- Abraham Verghese, author of "Cutting for Stone" / Trailer: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/zemene/97292617