WOMEN'S FILM SERIES TO BE HELD NOV. 3-7

	CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Oct. 30 -- Whether revving-up a Harley
in "Biker Women" or riding with "Thelma and Louise," women are
blazing their own trails in a film series at the Vinegar Hill
Theater, Nov. 3-7.  
	The women's "road movies" and related video exhibits,
co-sponsored by the University of Virginia WomenÕs Center and
Vinegar Hill Theater, is an adjunct to the Virginia Film Festival,
which runs from Oct. 28-Nov. 3. The womenÕs series, which emphasizes
exploration through film, features two screenings nightly
supplemented with discussions and a car care workshop.  
	The women's film series was developed to offset the The
Ninth Annual Virginia Film Festival Series on the theme titled "Wild
Spaces, Endangered Places."  The Western style of the film series
may appear too male-oriented, officials noted.  Festival director
Richard Herskowitz said, "We are delighted to be featuring the
relatively new genre of WomenÕs Road Movies to balance the scale." 
	 The male-dominated genre of the road movie is redefined in
the week-long exploration of how women shape their own journeys.
From Chantal Ackeman's, "Je Tu Il Elle" to Ridley Scott's, "Thelma
and Louise," from the power of women resisting the violence of the
road to those who perpetuate violence, the womenÕs road movie seeks
to define itself. 
	Some other presentations include:  Russ Meyer's, "Faster
Pussycat Kill Kill!," "Bagdad Cafe," directed by Percy Adlon with
Jack Palance; "Biker Women," "Dykes on Bikes" and "She Lives to
Ride," documentaries directed by Victoria Samuels.
	The newly expanded festival includes an interactive media
display, a film studies textbook on CD-ROM and a video exhibition at
U.Va.'s  Bayly Art Museum.  
	  Festival tickets can be ordered by calling 1-800-UVA-FEST,
or may be purchased at the Culbreth Theatre box office, the
University Bookstore and Barnes & Noble.  For complete festival
information call (804) 982-5277.
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October 29, 1996