"Hey Ladies" Film Screening and Talkback Captivates Audience at CUNY

NEW YORK - Jan. 24, 2025 - PRLog -- — The City University of New York (CUNY) was abuzz with laughter and thought-provoking discussion during the screening and panel talkback for Hey Ladies, a biting satire by acclaimed actor and writer Jennifer Betit Yen. The event, co-sponsored by the Film Lab (www.film-lab.org), AAARI-CUNY (https://aaari.info), and Partnership with Children (https://partnershipwithchildren.org), brought together students, entertainment industry professionals, and members of the general public for an unforgettable evening.

Hey Ladies imagines a world where privilege is a product, marketed and sold like the latest infomercial gadget. At the center of the satire is "Secret White Man Weapon, Inc.," a fictional corporation offering marginalized individuals the ultimate privilege power-up: a "white man in a box," designed to help buyers navigate societal obstacles with the ease typically reserved only for society's most privileged. The film takes audiences on a hysterical descent into racial stereotypes and misguided solutions, using the Secret White Man Weapon as a sharp symbol of unchecked privilege.

The screening was followed by an engaging talkback session featuring lead actors Jennifer Betit Yen (also the writer), Samantha Merrick (also the Casting Director), and Hope Ihaza-Walker. The discussion, moderated by Virginia Myung of the Coalition of Asian Pacific Americans, delved into the creative process behind the film, its satirical take on social justice and privilege, and the importance of humor in addressing systemic inequities.

High school seniors from the Partnership with Children program were active participants in the talkback, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their perspectives. Julius Stone, Partnership with Children's Program Manager, noted, "Partnership with Children strengthens the emotional, social, and cognitive skills of vulnerable children in New York City to help them succeed in school. Events like this inspire our students, many of whom are interested in pursuing careers in the arts, by providing invaluable insights into networking and navigating the entertainment industry."

Jennifer Betit Yen reflected on the film's message, saying, "Hey Ladies uses humor to spotlight issues regarding privilege , social justice and the lengths society will go to in order to maintain the status quo. It's about creating dialogue through laughter."

The audience was left both entertained and introspective, with Hey Ladies offering a unique blend of humor and critical social commentary. The film's sharp wit and timely themes sparked lively discussion, ensuring its impact extended far beyond the screening room.

For more information about Hey Ladies, visit www.secretwmweapon.io.