Beyond Beijing: The International Women's Movement

The United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women took place in Beijing in 1995, along with the parallel Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) Forum in Huairou, China. BEYOND BEIJING is an independent documentary produced by women about this largest meeting of women in world history. In this video kaleidoscope constructed of Forum events, journalistic interviews and intimate conversations, every speaker is a narrator, producing a text that is stylistically mixed, inclusive of multiple cultures and perspectives, and intentionally open-ended, challenging the viewer to participate in the spirit of "Beijing." Viewers travel with an international group of activists, sampling an immense array of Forum events and learning about NGO process. Topics range from women's struggle for access and the globalization of the economy, to mainstream media representation of the Forum and young women's participation. Beyond Beijing was screened by invitation at the United Nations "One Year After Beijing" Film Forum at UN Headquarters in New York. Filmed at the NGO Forum in Huairou, it brings powerful immediacy to the people and events of this remarkable gathering. Together with its companion Handbook, Beyond Beijing is widely praised for "bringing home" the Beijing experience to readers and viewers. The Beyond Beijing Handbook anthologizes speeches and articles by women from widely diverse cultures and countries. More than 100 photographs enhance the power of their voices. In addition, teachers' guidelines, an extensive resource list, and an overview of UN history on women's issues are incorporated. The book and video are designed to work together for maximum effect, but are not dependent on each other.