By Chris Giancamilli

On Nov 10, the Women’s Center will be holding a screening of the 2008 film Lioness – a film shot over the course of three years, from 2004 – 2007 and that follows one of the first all-female groups who fought in the Iraq War. The filmmakers document the hardships faced by the women of the United States military.

In 2003, the United States military began Operation Iraqi Freedom. This military endeavor became the landmark turning point in US history as the first instance that female troops engaged in combat. The image of the armed soldier was no longer bound by gender constrictions. Men and women fought alongside each other for the same cause and in the same squads.

The filmmakers chronicle a group of female veterans known as “Team Lioness” which consists of Specialist Shannon Morgan, Specialist Rebecca Nava, Major Katie Guttormsen, Captain Anastasia Breslow, and Staff Sergeant Ranie Ruthig. Through diaries and interviews, the film captures the feelings and experiences of this pioneer group of soldiers. In her diary, Captain Anastasia Breslow wrote, “I still can’t believe that I was in a firefight. Me, a female signal officer, someone expected to support from a desk was out there. They needed a Lionness team so badly, that even as a support officer I was pulled in. I hope I don’t have to do them very often but I will never try to get out of it.” In Lioness, this group of women tells their tales of courage and dedication on the frontlines of war.

Following the screening, a panel of female veterans will discuss topics presented in the film at 7 pm in Commons 206.