‘Embrace,’ a documentary about body shaming, will be shown on Nov. 7, 2016.

Submitted

On Monday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., the Bridge Family Center will host a screening of the film “Embrace” at the Loews Plainville 20 in Plainville, CT (near J. Timothy’s). Embrace is a documentary about one woman’s journey to learn more about the culture of body shaming that affects women worldwide. It is quickly becoming an international sensation and is being shown in an increasing number of cities across our nation.

“This is a serious, but uplifting film that not only examines issues of body image, it also takes a look at the overall subject of a woman’s self-esteem,” says Amanda Aronson, director of Marketing & Communication at the Bridge Family Center. “We are creating an evening for women that will strengthen us, and in turn, will continue to support us as source of strength for our families.”

The idea to host the film originated from Elizabeth Hall, a longtime Bridge volunteer and West Hartford resident.

“I came across the Body Image Movement while studying intuitive eating and researching body positivity in order to heal a lifetime of chronic dieting and negative self talk,” Hall says. “My path also lead me to study ‘eating psychology’ to discover more about the mind body connections around food and health.” She became a certified eating psychology coach, as a way to heal herself while helping others who struggle in today’s diet-centered culture. 

Hall was introduced to the film while studying eating psychology and felt compelled to bring the film to a broader audience. She served as the local movie captain for two other screenings of Embrace, and saw first-hand the impact the film had on both men and women.

“It’s a beautiful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening film,” remarks Hall, adding that she loves the “affirming and supportive conversations” the movie inspires and the message of loving yourself and your life without waiting to lose weight or for some momentous event to happen.

“We are excited to be hosting this evening,” says Aronson. “We have already been getting feedback from groups of women who will attend together for a girls’ night out, and there seems to be great excitement about the choice of theatre due to the reclining seats!” (Both Hall and The Bridge had hoped to show the film locally, but there are restrictions as to where it can be organized.)

The Bridge Family Center will be hosting follow-up experiences throughout November and early December in its Avon counseling center for those who wish to take part in guided mindfulness sessions followed by discussion about the film and women’s growth.

Tickets for the Nov. 7 showing can only be purchased on line at http://gathr.us/screening/18102. This link can also be reached via the Events section of the Bridge Family Center website at www.bridgefamilycenter.org.