Five riveting documentaries about social and environmental issues will be shown in DeKalb on Thursdays beginning on February 1, according to a Tuesday DeKalb Stands press release. The first film is at 5:30 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center. All other films are scheduled at 7 p.m. in the Egyptian Theatre.

Audience members are invited to stay after the films for discussions with NIU film scholar and professor Jeffrey Chown, as well as other NIU faculty and guests. 

The Green Lens Social Justice Film Series is free, but donations are welcome. The schedule is as follows:

• February 1, 5:30 p.m., “Zero Weeks” (2017). This award-winning film, directed by Ky Dickens, considers paid leave from an emotional, medical, financial and global perspective and makes a compelling case for guaranteed paid leave for all Americans. Note: Free child care is provided; reserve space at [email protected].
• February 8 – “Shored Up” (2013). Ben Kalina directed this story focusing on the damage caused by Superstorm Sandy and the collision of politics, economics and science that followed. 
• February 15 – “No Más Bebés” (2015). Renee Tajima-Peña and Virginia Espino directed this story about Mexican immigrant mothers who were pushed into sterilization while giving birth at a Los Angeles hospital during the 1960s and 70s.
• February 22 – “Mission Blue” (2014). Directors Fisher Stevens and Robert Nixon profile legendary oceanographer, marine biologist and environmentalist Sylvia Earle and her campaign to create a global network of protected marine sanctuaries. Guest speaker Sylvia Earle answers questions after the film.
• March 1 – “13th” (2016). Scholars, activists, and politicians analyze how the U.S. prison system reinforces the nation’s history of racial inequality. Nominated for an Oscar for best documentary and directed by Ava DuVernay. 

The Holmes Student Center is located on the corner of Lucinda Avenue and Normal Road on the NIU campus. The Egyptian Theater is at 135 N. 2nd Street in DeKalb. Free parking is available near both locations.

The Green Lens Social Justice Film Series is sponsored by DeKalb’s Tapa La Luna Restaurant, with logistical support provided by the Egyptian Theatre and DeKalb Stands, an Indivisible group. 

Additional funding has been provided by the Northern Illinois University Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, The Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, The Latino Resource Center, The Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and The Office of the President. 

For more information, contact [email protected].