Winona State University

Award-winning director Davy Rothbart will appear at WSU to present his verité-inspired documentary charting the challenges faced by four generations of the Sanford-Durant family just blocks from the nation’s capital, but beset by extreme poverty, gang-related violence, drug addiction, and domestic abuse. For this family, careers might seem impossible.  This film is not rated but includes adult content. Co-sponsored by the Frozen River Film Festival, College of Liberal Arts, Department of English, Office of Inclusion & Diversity, and the Integrated…

The critically acclaimed biopic focuses on the early career challenges and first cases of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, portrayed by Felicity Jones. Rated PG-13. Co-sponsored by Campus Cinema, the Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program, the Department of Social Work, and the Winona Chapter of The League of Women Voters.

A new generation of entrepreneurs challenging the status quo as they embark upon their careers is the subject of this inspiring documentary featuring, among others, Venture for America Founder and CEO Andrew Yang.  Sponsored by the College of Business.

Starring Charlize Theron in an Oscar-nominated performance, Niki Caro’s docudrama portrays the grim reality of a workplace hostile to women and the costs to those who stood up to expose harassment. Rated R for sequences involving sexual harassment, including violence and dialogue, and for language. Sponsored by WSU’s Common Book Project.

The feel-good hit musical from the Oscar-, Grammy-, Tony-, and Golden Globe Award-winning songwriting duo Pasek & Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, and Zendaya and engaged millions of fans while glossing over some thorny ethical questions about P. T. Barnum’s career. Rated PG-13.

This Sundance hit mashup of sci-fi tropes and irreverent humor had the attention of critics and audiences alike last year for its savvy take on workplace politics.  Lakeith Stanfield stars as a young black telemarketer who navigates a career roadblock by adopting a white accent and then finds himself deep in a corporate conspiracy. Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use.

Another award-winning documentary from this year’s festival circuit, Finding Home in Boomtown shows the challenges faced by a young Christian couple who leave behind a comfortable career to follow their calling: building housing communities for the homeless.  This film is not rated. Co-sponsored by Frozen River Film Festival.

A career-themed Halloween celebration with the cult classic from what many say was one of the cinema’s most inventive and radical years, 1999.  The film depicts challenges enterprising filmmakers face as they pursue their careers and aspirations in the face of mounting danger—and the result kickstarted a new subgenre of found-footage horror films. Rated R for language. Co-sponsored by Campus Cinema.  

Like many young people, Sean Aiken wondered what to do with his life. So he took on 52 different jobs, each for one week at a time, to try to determine his best path in life, and the results were inspiring for himself and for audiences across the country. This film is not rated. All film screenings are free and open to the public.