CLARISSA'S BATTLE
Social justice warrior Clarissa Doutherd leads a coalition fighting a tenacious battle for childcare and early education funding.
UK PREMIERE
Saturday 25 March Town Hall Doors 10:00 AM | Session 10:20 AM | End 12:25 PM
Single mother and Parent Voices organiser Clarissa Doutherd builds a powerful coalition fighting for childcare and early education funds in Oakland, California. Driven by her experiences of losing childcare and becoming homeless, Doutherd seems to be everywhere at once. But juggling this work with raising her son brings on a personal health crisis far too common among stressed working mothers, especially women of colour. Clarissa's Battle follows her journey as a community leader, political candidate and time-stretched mother as she fights for the health and dignity of children and their parents nationwide. An inspiring tale of hope and resistance.
FILMMAKER: TAMARA PERKINS
Tamara Perkins (Director | Producer | Writer) is an award-winning filmmaker and changemaker focused on documentaries that inspire transformative change through dialogue, healing and advocacy through her company Apple of Discord Productions, Perkins' films (Life After Life (2018), Rebound (2021), Clarissa's Battle) were each inspired by a personal connection to the subject matter and provide an often overlooked proximity in storytelling. As a national speaker, Perkins’ repertoire spans from filmmaking to prison reform and human rights. She is a recipient of Evident Change’s Media for a Just Society Award. Perkins' work has become a catalyst for change, learning and advocacy for some of our nation's most misunderstood and overlooked issues. |
PRAISE FOR CLARISSA'S BATTLE
“...[an] excellent and beautifully shot documentary” – C.J. Hirschfield, Eat Drink Films
"This is a moving film about a strong womanʻs battle for child care and support. Clarissaʻs Battle is for all of us, and for the betterment and resilience of society. Her advocacy and activism help us to understand systemic inequalities and encourage participation that is both fierce and tender. This film asks us to challenge injustice with careful, deep listening to the frontline communities who have suffered without despair and are finding sustainable and just solutions. Clarissa shows us that true courage is about walking down a long road, sometimes alone, with little rest and nourishment, without assurances but with imagination and persistence. She is an inspiration and Tamara Perkinsʻ spotlight helps us all to find the courage we need to keep walking our own paths."
– Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama Foundation Asia Pacific Region | Co-Founder, Ceeds of Peace | Leadership, Peace Education and Movements Faculty, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, University of Hawaii, Mānoa
"This is a moving film about a strong womanʻs battle for child care and support. Clarissaʻs Battle is for all of us, and for the betterment and resilience of society. Her advocacy and activism help us to understand systemic inequalities and encourage participation that is both fierce and tender. This film asks us to challenge injustice with careful, deep listening to the frontline communities who have suffered without despair and are finding sustainable and just solutions. Clarissa shows us that true courage is about walking down a long road, sometimes alone, with little rest and nourishment, without assurances but with imagination and persistence. She is an inspiration and Tamara Perkinsʻ spotlight helps us all to find the courage we need to keep walking our own paths."
– Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama Foundation Asia Pacific Region | Co-Founder, Ceeds of Peace | Leadership, Peace Education and Movements Faculty, Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, University of Hawaii, Mānoa