Champlain College and Vermont Public Television will host a 45-minute preview of the Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide documentary on campus on Monday, Oct. 22. This screening and discussion will engage the public in becoming an educated agent of change for women facing oppression around the world. The screening is free and open to the public and begins at 7 p.m. in Champlain's Alumni Auditorium at 251 S. Willard Street in Burlington.

The Half the Sky film is part of an entire movement, and inspired by author Nicholas Kristof's best-selling Pulitzer Prize-winning book. Filmed in 10 countries, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide follows Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, and celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union, and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring, courageous individuals. Across the globe oppression is being confronted and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. The linked problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality present to us the vital opportunity to make a change. All over the world women are seizing this opportunity.

The preview will be followed by a panel discussion with members of VPT and Champlain's developing Women's and Gender Center, as well as a dessert reception.

For more information visit halftheskymovement.org or Independent Television Service's (ITVS) Women and Girls LEAD Campaign site at womenandgirlslead.org.

Calendar listing:

A preview of the documentary film Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide at Champlain College's Alumni Auditorium (251 S. Willard St., Burlington) on Monday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. Film followed by a dessert reception and panel discussion with VPT and Champlain College. For more information visit halftheskymovement.org.