Belly of the Beast-Community discussion guide

Pdf Summary

"Belly of the Beast" is a documentary film directed by Erika Cohn that exposes the illegal involuntary sterilizations in California's women's prison system. The film follows a courageous young woman and a radical lawyer who take on the Department of Corrections in a battle to bring justice to the victims. Through their investigations, they uncover a pattern of statewide crimes targeting women of color, including inadequate healthcare, sexual assault, and coercive sterilizations.<br /><br />The film team includes director Erika Cohn, producer Angela Tucker, and the women who have been impacted by these sterilizations. Together, they share their stories and shine a light on the ongoing legacy of eugenics and reproductive injustice in the United States.<br /><br />To prepare for facilitating a discussion about the film, the guide suggests familiarizing yourself with the content and reflecting on your own perspectives beforehand. It also provides tips for creating a safe and inclusive space for conversation, including understanding your role as a facilitator and being aware of potential biases.<br /><br />The discussion guide offers several tracks for deeper exploration, including Kelli's story and the impact of incarceration on family, the history of eugenics, and advocacy and policy change. Each track provides background information and discussion prompts to help guide the conversation.<br /><br />Additional resources are provided, including books, papers, and films related to reproductive justice and incarceration, as well as organizations working in these areas. The guide also encourages taking action, such as signing petitions, hosting screenings, supporting organizations, and advocating for change.<br /><br />To access the film, viewers can visit the official website of "Belly of the Beast" or the Women Make Movies educational distributor.

Asset Subtitle

Official companion handout for Belly of the Beast film.

Keywords

Belly of the Beast

documentary film

Erika Cohn

illegal involuntary sterilizations

California's women's prison system

Department of Corrections

eugenics

reproductive injustice

discussion guide

incarceration