Documentary film 'Audrie & Daisy', an Appreciating Diversity film

Oct 27, 6:30 pm reception, 7:00 film, 8:30 discussion in Piedmont, and Oct 19, 3-4:30 at the New Parkway Theater, 474 24th Street in Oakland

Audrie & Daisy is an urgent real-life drama that examines the ripple effects on families, friends, schools and communities when two underage young women find that sexual assault against them has been caught on camera and distributed online. From acclaimed filmmakers Bonni Cohen and John Shenk, "Audrie & Daisy"-- which made its world premiere at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival -- takes a hard look at America's teenagers who are coming of age in this new world of social media bullying, spun wildly out of control.

"Audrie & Daisy" will be presented FREE in both Piedmont and Oakland by the Appreciating Diversity Film Series and by Piedmont Parents Network. The film was co-produced by documentary filmmaker and Piedmont High School alum Sara Dosa, who will be in attendance to facilitate a discussion after the film on October 27.

The directors were motivated by what they saw: "We are struck by the frequency of sexual assaults in high schools across the country and have been even more shocked by the pictures and videos, posted online--almost as trophies--by teens that have committed these crimes. This has become the new public square of shame for our adolescents. Unfortunately, the story of drunken high school parties and sexual assault is not new. But today, the events of the night are recorded on smartphones and disseminated to an entire community and, sometimes, the nation. Such was the case for Audrie Pott from Saratoga, California and Daisy Coleman, from Maryville, Ohio, 15- and 14-year old girls, living thousands of miles apart but experiencing the same shame from their communities."

We invite you to this moving and meaningful film so that you can understand more about the world teenagers live in today.

The Appreciating Diversity Film Series is sponsored by the Piedmont Appreciating Diversity Committee, Piedmont League of Women Voters, Piedmont Adult Education, and the City of Piedmont.

Free, no RSVP needed, usually all are able to find seats.