DOC: Girl Model

[Ryan Goble]

Interesting documentary called "Girl Model" is premering on PBS's POV show March 24, 2013 and then available online from March 25, 2013 – April 23, 2013. The trailer:

Watch Girl Model - Trailer on PBS. See more from POV.

The synopsis:

Girl Model strips away the façade of the modeling industry by following two people whose lives intersect because of it. Ashley is a deeply conflicted American model scout, and 13-year-old Nadya, plucked from a remote Siberian village and promised a lucrative career in Japan, is her latest discovery. As the young girl searches for glamour and an escape from poverty, she confronts the harsh realities of a culture that worships youth — and an industry that makes perpetual childhood a globally traded commodity. An Official Selection of the 2011 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam. Winner, 2011 POV | Alpha Cine Award. Produced in association with American Documentary | POV.

The teaching resources:

Download discussion guide (PDF)

Download reading list (PDF)

[Faith Rogow]

I strongly second Ryan's recommendation. Girl Model is well worth a view with 13-20-year olds, especially if they have ideas about getting into modelling.  It shows how the girls are economically exploited, often ending up in debt rather than with the wealth they hoped for, and it does so in a way that will appeal to adolescent moral outrage.  It also gives a visceral creepy feel as it reveals who really thinks thin is the gold standard.  This is a film that parents should watch with kids and every afterschool programs/youth group should discuss.  And if you teach health, economics, or media literacy, this is a goldmine.  Highly recommended. Full disclosure - I write nearly all of POV's discussion guides, including the one for this film. 

[Ryan Goble]

I did not know you did the POV guides! Per today's broadcast you should ALWAYS feel free to share those things on the site like I did above! Teachers need to know about cool tools!