The Department of Performing and Media Arts (PMA) and Cornell Cinema will present a special screening of Power Alley (Levante), the acclaimed feature film directed by Brazilian filmmaker Lillah Halla, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Film Forum at the Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts. The screening is free and open to the public, and tickets are not required.
A selection of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival's Semaine de la Critique, Power Alley (Levante) is a gripping Brazilian drama that weaves a tale of personal struggle and societal challenges. Set in São Paulo, it follows Sofia, a spirited teen volleyball player from a modest background, whose life takes a dramatic turn when she faces an unwanted pregnancy. In a society marred by rigid conservatism and restrictive women's rights, Sofia's story is a fight for autonomy and identity.
The event is being held in partnership with the 4th Annual Reproductive Rights Film Festival, organized by End Abortion Stigma (EAS) and co-sponsored by Close to Home Productions.
PMA Professor Sara Warner will introduce and host the evening with Sue Perlgut, a member of End Abortion Stigma and one of the film festival’s co-organizers, and Cayenne Cave, Managing Director of the festival and a recent Ithaca College graduate.
In addition to PMA and Cornell Cinema, campus co-sponsors include the Feminist, Gender & Sexuality Studies Program and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Studies Program.
About the Ithaca Reproductive Rights Film Festival:
The Ithaca Reproductive Rights Film Festival is the only festival of its kind in New York State dedicated to films and discussions centered on reproductive rights. The 2026 festival will take place Sept. 17-19, with additional virtual programming and community events offered throughout the festival weekend. Through screenings, conversations, and educational programming, the festival seeks to foster dialogue around reproductive justice, abortion access, and reproductive healthcare in the United States and internationally.
For more information about the festival, visit: https://www.reproductiverightsfilmfest.com
About End Abortion Stigma:
Founded in 2015, End Abortion Stigma works to elevate personal stories and public conversations about reproductive healthcare and abortion access. Through community engagement, storytelling, advocacy, artistic projects, and public education initiatives, the organization seeks to reduce stigma and increase understanding of reproductive rights issues across generations.
