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Becoming a Woman in Okrika
| Length: | 27 min |
| Released: | 1991 |
| Ages: |
High School College Adult |
Buy Online Streaming
This visually stunning film documents an extraordinary coming-of-age ritual in a village in the Niger Delta. It highlights the conflict third world women face between traditions and the values of the modern world.
The rite—called Iria—consists of elaborately painting the young women's bodies with beautiful designs, subjecting their bodies to public scrutiny by the elder women, methodically fattening them, and teaching them the responsibilities of womanhood. After an elaborate celebration, they run a race pursued by young men and by their leader, who represents a mythological personage armed with sticks. The rite symbolizes the release of girlish fantasies and preparation for childbearing.
This unique film will provoke discussion in Women's Studies, African Studies, Anthropology, and Development courses.
The rite—called Iria—consists of elaborately painting the young women's bodies with beautiful designs, subjecting their bodies to public scrutiny by the elder women, methodically fattening them, and teaching them the responsibilities of womanhood. After an elaborate celebration, they run a race pursued by young men and by their leader, who represents a mythological personage armed with sticks. The rite symbolizes the release of girlish fantasies and preparation for childbearing.
This unique film will provoke discussion in Women's Studies, African Studies, Anthropology, and Development courses.
"This video successfully presents much that a college anthropology class could explore further in discussion." ‒ Choice
"Good cinematography and sound. . . suitable for anthropology and other social science courses." ‒ Library Journal
"An interesting profile of the complex balance between modern and traditional values in Nigeria." ‒ Landers Film & Video Reviews
"Good cinematography and sound. . . suitable for anthropology and other social science courses." ‒ Library Journal
"An interesting profile of the complex balance between modern and traditional values in Nigeria." ‒ Landers Film & Video Reviews
National Women's Studies Conference, 1992
American Psychiatric Association, 1992
American Anthropological Association, 1991
American Film & Video Festival, 1991
First Prize, International Ethnographic Film Festival, Italy, 1990
Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1991
American Psychiatric Association, 1992
American Anthropological Association, 1991
American Film & Video Festival, 1991
First Prize, International Ethnographic Film Festival, Italy, 1990
Margaret Mead Film Festival, 1991
