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SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The 27th annual Reel Equals International Film Festival will showcase 25 films from 12 countries when it opens next month, including a locally-produced documentary about eating disorder recovery.
The festival runs March 5-10 online and March 6-8 in person at the Sarasota Art Museum. Scott Osborne, chair of the Reel Equals International Film Festival and president of Through Women’s Eyes, said the event features films made by women or about women.
“The vast majority of films, as well as TV shows, as well as advertisements, as well as your social media streaming, is almost overwhelmingly made by men,” Osborne said. “We think it’s really great to have another perspective.”
Among the featured films is “The Bond That Broke,” produced by Sarasota residents Zoe and Kathryn Ross Nash. The documentary explores their personal experience with eating disorder recovery.
Zoe Ross Nash, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in eating disorders and trauma, said her mother’s struggle and recovery inspired her career path.
“We really wanted to share our story and explain that this disorder, eating disorders, while they’re highly deadly and incredibly prevalent in our community, that there’s hope, there’s recovery, there’s possibility,” she said.
Kathryn Ross Nash said the project evolved from Instagram conversations about eating disorders. The positive response encouraged them to create the documentary in July 2024.
“It really brought out the importance of coming forward, getting rid of the shame, and having your voice allow others to find their voice,” she said.
Zoe Ross Nash recommends a full treatment team for eating disorder recovery, including a mental health professional, primary care provider, psychiatrist and dietitian.
“In my opinion, a movement professional is also incredibly important to really do that holistic, full-person approach,” she said. “Because it’s a whole-body disorder. It impacts every organ system of your body.”
The festival features films covering topics from elephants in India to the war in Ukraine to three women hiking in Lapland. The opening night film on March 6 at Ringling College of Art and Design examines anxiety through stand-up comics.
Three films from Iran will provide perspectives on family life in that country, Osborne said.
“We want them to look at each other and say, hey, did you know that? Or, yeah, let’s talk about this,” he said.
Through Women’s Eyes, the nonprofit organization behind the festival, selects films from 300-400 submissions using volunteer screeners. The organization focuses on gender equality and media representation.
“We know that visual media is phenomenally important in shaping us,” Osborne said. “It shapes how we dress, how we talk, how we act, our careers.”
Film blocks cost $15, with various pass options available. Tickets and information are available at throughwomenseyes.org. The organization opens submissions for next year’s festival in July through Film Freeway.
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