Sexual Assault Documentary to be Shown at UICA September 15

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) will present a free screening of The Hunting Ground, a powerful documentary that underscores the widespread problem of campus sexual assault, along with a complementary panel discussion featuring West Michigan community leaders advocating for change, on September 15 at 8:00 pm. The screening is supported by the YWCA West Central Michigan.

The Hunting Ground, directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Kirby Dick, is a stunning documentary film that features the stories of several survivors of campus sexual assault as they pursue action against their assailants while balancing their lives as college students and their own recoveries. The film is a startling exposé of rape crimes on U.S. campuses, institutional cover-ups, and the brutal social toll on victims and their families.

The UICA is hosting the screening of The Hunting Ground to spread awareness, create dialogue, and advocate for a cultural shift in attitudes about and responses to campus assault nationwide.

The voices joining the panel discussion include Barbara and Mark Gerson, the Executive Producers of the film, who will give a brief introduction before the screening. Barbara is a philanthropist with a focus on education and children's welfare. She is a Michigan State University graduate who presently serves on the Scholars Board for the MSU School of Social Science, and is also a Board member at Hospice of Michigan. Barbara also serves on the MindShare committee for Grand Rapids Public Schools. Mark Gerson is a graduate of the University of Southern California, a philanthropist, and real estate investor and developer.

The Gersons have two children and reside in Grand Rapids. They are currently very active promoting the nationwide cultural change being brought about by The Hunting Ground.

The panel also includes Randy Flood, Director of the Men's Resource Center of West Michigan and the Co-Founder of the Institute for the Prevention and Treatment of Mascupathy; and Ashleigh Burge Draft, Director of Development and Communications at the Center for Women in Transition The Center’s mission is to respond to, reduce, and prevent domestic and sexual violence through education, collaboration, and advocacy, with crisis and supportive services to victims and survivors.

Patti Haist, Director of Clinical Services at YWCA West Central will offer her insight and knowledge based on her thirty years of experience at YWCA.

Local WZZM television anchor, Jennifer Pascua, will moderate the discussion.

For more information about The Hunting Ground screening and panel discussion, visit uica.org.