© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Feminism in the spotlight at GR film festival

There’s no shortage of films being released today, but only a small percentage feature significant roles for women. The organizers behind the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival want to shine the spotlight on women and on other groups who are under-represented in the media industry. Current State talks with organizer Lydia VanHoven about the festival.

In the top 100 highest grossing films of 2014, women represented a total of 30-percent of all speaking characters, studies show. And of that group, 26-percent were women of color. A group of creative social justice activists set out to change on-screen perception of women and other under-represented groups in the media by starting the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival this weekend.

Current State speaks with festival organizer Lydia VanHoven.

Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.