Photos

Enjoy a dangerous beauty and help a good cause.

San Ramon AAUW is hosting its first "Celebration of Women in Film" on Jan. 23 to raise awareness of women's pursuit of equality - and to raise funds to help women further their education. It will air "Dangerous Beauty," a film that addresses the struggles women faced in the 16th century, which are similar to their struggles today.

"This is what we hope is the first of a series," said Elaine Baldwin, publicity coordinator of the film committee. "We're hoping it will grow and we will have more than one film in the future."

"Dangerous Beauty," filmed in 1996, is a lavishly produced film set in 16th-century Venice. It is the true story of Veronica Franco, a renowned courtesan and published poet, based on the book, "The Honest Courtesan."

"Lots of scenes in the film are appropriate to today's struggle for women to have equal rights and a recognition of their talents," said Baldwin, noting that even though Sen. Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House, the overall number of women in Congress is small.

The evening will include commentary during the intermission and afterward by Dr. Karen Van Zino, a physician, author and lecturer. She will lead a brief discussion of how the experiences of Renaissance beauty Veronica Franco, who defied the conventions of her era, relate to issues faced by today's women - and men.

"Dr. Van Zino is a very interesting, dynamic woman. She spoke to us last year," said Baldwin. She became excited about them launching the "Celebration of Women in Film" and recommended "Dangerous Beauty."

"We thought we should do something that would be fun and be in line with our mission - to advance women's equality," explained Baldwin. "That's the reason we picked this film."

Cost of the evening is $25, and this donation will go directly to the cause, noted Baldwin, because six businesses have stepped up to sponsor the event: Janice Colby/Keller Williams Realty, the San Ramon-based geotechnical engineering firm ENGEO, Joy Perkins/Omnibus Organizing, the dentistry practice of Drs. Czekala, Schinnerer & Associates, Ma Jolie Salon and Spa, and Crazy Flower Wines in Napa.

"The diversity of our sponsors indicates the broad appeal of AAUW's mission to further women's educational opportunities and to remove barriers that block women from full equality," said Andrea Gibson, co-chairwoman of the organizing committee.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Front Row Theater, Dougherty Station Community Center, San Ramon. To purchase tickets, call 973-ARTS (973-2787) or go to http://www.ci.san-ramon.ca.us/Parks/theater/default.htm. All tickets are $25, with minimal processing fees for tickets purchased online or mailed. Refreshments will be served at the intermission. Seating is limited. The movie was rated R due to some scenes of strong sexuality, and for nudity and language.

The American Association of University Women promotes equity for women and girls, lifelong education and positive society change. The San Ramon Branch was begun in 1982. It raises fund for scholarships and grants for women but also provides members with opportunities to associate with like-minded women and men through its activities and special interest groups.

To learn more about the San Ramon branch of AAUW, go to www.webbitt.com/aauw/.

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