The nationally recognized and award-winning documentary, "Miss Representation," will be shown at The Strand Theatre in Rockland on March 7 at 2 p.m.

"Miss Representation" explores how mainstream media contributes to cultural misconceptions about the roles and capabilities of women. The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful.

“There is no appreciation for women intellectuals. It’s all about the body, not about the brain,” said Ariella, a high school student featured in the film.

In advance of the film, a wonderful collaboration has been taking place between the Midcoast Chapter of Maine Women’s Network, New Hope for Women, local high school students, community leaders, and The Strand Theatre.

New Hope for Women has been working with students to explore themes of leadership, empowerment, and healthy media images. Students identified women leaders in the community whom they admire to be featured in a post-show slide show and panel discussion, chose a playlist of empowering songs to be heard before and after the film, and created a display for the event with examples of media that depict healthy, realistic and inspiring gender roles.

For Maine Women’s Network members, this collaboration has given them the opportunity to further their mission by acting as role models in leadership for young women in the community.

Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students and are available in advance at https://nhfw.ejoinme.org/MissRepresentation or at the box office on the day of the show.

"Miss Representation" is presented by Maine Women's Network - Midcoast Chapter to benefit New Hope for Women's domestic and dating violence programming in the 109 schools it serves. Event sponsors are Elm Street Marketing Essentials, Machias Savings Bank, Crestwood Kitchens, Fox Hill Real Estate, McLean Borden Cottage, and The Strand Theatre.