Al Sutton’s, "Equality, I Am Woman" Screens at National Arts Club with VFA to Honor Betty Friedan

June 30, 2011 - PRLog -- Al Sutton’s Film, “Equality, I Am Woman” screened at the New York City, National Arts Club with VFA to Honor Betty Friedan.  Physician-turned-filmmaker Al Sutton took the stage Friday evening, June 17, for a special screening of his inspirational documentary of the 1970 Women’s Strike for Equality in New York City, “Equality, I Am Woman.” The screening was part of a Veteran Feminists of America Tribute to Betty Friedan, author of “The Feminist Mystique”, and co-founder of NOW, the National Organization for Women, for her leadership in the Feminist Movement.

Betty Friedan’s daughter, New York Pediatrician, Emily Friedan, and granddaughter, Nataya, Columbia University Student, shared their memories of living with Betty.  Stephanie Coontz, Author of “A Strange Stirring”, contributed recollections of Betty Friedan and women at the dawn of the 1960’s.  

The VFA’s Founder and President, Jacqui Ceballos, said the screening of “Equality, I Am Woman” was a natural choice for celebrating the Feminist Movement in honor of Betty Friedan.   “Al Sutton is well respected by the Second Wave Feminists for his support of equality for women as essential to human rights, and for merging those ideals with the arts,” Ceballos said.   “Al Sutton brilliantly captured the spirit of the movement on film and now we want to share it with the world.”  

Recently awarded the Official Selection at the Pasadena, California 2011 Action on Film International Film Festival, and Official Selection at the World Music and  Independent Film Festival, Washington, DC.,  “Equality, I Am Woman” documents the largest gender- equality event in U.S.  history.  Narrated by Veteran Feminist of America Founder and President, Jacqui Ceballos and Author/ Publisher, Gloria Steinem, the film features excerpts of Betty Friedan’s speech at Bryant Park, and the music of Helen Reddy, with photographs by world renowned photojournalist, Bettye Lane.  The film was co-produced by Maggie Jones and Barbara Masry, with Stephanie Dworkin, video editor, and Jeanne McGill, publicist/ line producer.

Special “Open Mic” guests at the tribute and screening included such notable feminists as Muriel Fox, Founder of NOW, Karen DeCrow, Chair of the Women’s Strike for Equality and former NOW President, Anne O’Shea, Betty Friedan’s Assistant in 1972 and now the Assistant Justice of the New York Supreme Court.  Hilde Caren, Betty Friedan’s assistant for the last fourteen years of Betty’s life, and other close friends of Betty Friedan shared their memories as well.    Renowned Artist Linda Stein who was recently featured defending women’s equality in the film by British comedian Sacha Baron Cohen a k a Ali G, “Borat”, presented the VFA with a portrait of Betty Friedan.

The VFA tribute will be archived by Duke University.

About Al Sutton:  
A civil rights activist, Dr. Sutton participated in many peace marches and demonstrations in the ‘70’s.  On August 26, 1970, he filmed the Women’s March in New York City which formed the basis for the documentary, “Equality, I Am Woman.”  Al Sutton has produced a variety of films including documentaries in the medical field, documentaries of memorable, historic events, and theatrical films.  He is also a musician, and operates his own record label, Alsut Records.   He is a member of SAG and BAFTA.  A feature film, Caballo, written by Al Sutton, is also in production.  His film training was at the New School in New York, under the famous cinematographer Arnold Eagle; and he studied acting at the Warren Robertson Theatre Workshop.

On stage, he performed a lead role in Sing, America: Norman Mailer in His Own Words at the Actors Studio.  He played in "Bringing the Fishermen Home" by Deb Margolin, at Dixon Place, and at the Public Theatre Play-reading series.  As co-founder of the Perfectly Frank Cabaret Theatre, he produced over 40 new plays, mostly in downtown New York venues, including Dixon Place, Here, Home for Contemporary Theatre, and Le Poeme. He has also written and performed in a number of his own plays, including, "Woman and Man", "Lifeguard", and "A Little Bumpy", co-written by Dan Hedaya.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3623496/

About VFA:
Veteran Feminists of America, VFA, is a non-profit organization for Feminists of the “Second Wave”, to document our history, to rekindle the spark and spirit of the feminist revolution and act as keeper of the flame so that the ideals of feminism continue to reverberate and influence others.  VFA is the foremost source of information about the Second Wave women's movement for journalists, historians and other writers. It is the foremost organization for honoring the achievements of Second Wave feminists and for bringing together pioneer feminists in a continuing campaign to educate and motivate today's young people through the example of feminist victories and sacrifices. VFA was founded by Jacqui Ceballos, with Muriel Fox, founder of NOW, as Chair.   http://www.vfa.us/

The National Arts Club, New York City, is a private club dedicated to the arts and artists in America.

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Al Sutton Productions, New York City, NY http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3623496
Al Sutton has produced a variety of films including documentaries in the medical field, documentaries of memorable, historic events, and theatrical films. He is also a musician, and operates his own record label, Alsut Records. He is a member of SAG and BAFTA.