Real Life Film Series

Description

These screenings of engaging documentaries on health science topics cover a variety of timely and important topics and are followed by discussions about how the topics relates to current work at VCU and impact global health. Speakers with expertise in the film's topic lead the group in lively discussions about the science and issues explored in the film.

The series is free and open to all. Parking is available for a fee in the 8th Street parking deck. For special accommodations, or to register offline, please contact Thelma Mack, research and education coordinator, at mackta@vcu.edu or (804) 828-0017.

Schedule

Give Me a Shot of Anything
Sept. 17, 5–7 p.m.
Larrick Student Center
Court End Ballroom
Follow a street doctor and his team as they make house calls to the homeless, offering their patients hope and a chance to feel whole again.

Dinner will be provided, first come, first served.

This event is held in conjunction with the VCU Common Book program. The 2019–20 common book, Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond, follows eight families in Milwaukee struggling to keep their homes and explores a larger eviction crisis happening nationwide.

The Bleeding Edge
Oct. 15, 12:10–1 p.m.
Tompkins-McCaw Library
Lecture Room 2-010
A look at the unforeseen consequences of advanced technological devices used in the medical field.

Doctor Diaries
Nov. 12, 12:10–1 p.m.
Health and Wellness Library
Gateway Building
Follow seven doctors on their journey starting at Harvard Medical School in 1987 to where they are now.

The Power to Heal: Medicare and the Civil Rights Revolution
Feb. 13, 5–7 p.m.
Larrick Student Center
Court End Ballroom
A poignant look at the historic struggle to secure equal and adequate access to health care for all Americans.

Dinner will be provided, first come, first served. Sheryl Garland, chief of health impact at VCU Health, will facilitate a discussion of the film following the screening.

Stumped
March 19, 12:10–1 p.m.
Tompkins-McCaw Library
Lecture Room 2-010
A patient agrees to undergo an experimental double-arm transplant in the hope of reclaiming his independence despite grave risks. The screening will be followed by a brief discussion facilitated by Dr. Brian Le, VCU Health, Department of Surgery.
Cancelled

Merchants of Doubt
April 14, 12:10–1 p.m.
Health and Wellness Library
Gateway Building
Look at the pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities as they speak about topics like toxic chemicals, tobacco and climate change. The screening will be followed by a brief discussion facilitated by Dana Ladd, Health and Wellness Librarian.
Register for this April 14 event.

All films are from VCU Libraries' holdings and may be checked out for personal or class use at Tompkins-McCaw Library, 509 N. 12th St. Some films can be streamed through VCU Libraries' Kanopy database.

Sponsors

This series is presented by VCU Libraries and University Student Commons and Activities.

Image: Real Life Film Series 2019–20 montage, by Emily Kundrot