BUFFALO, NY − Follow the search lights to get a taste of Hollywood at the Canisius University premiere of the acclaimed documentary “Dream, Girl” on Friday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Montante Cultural Center. Walk the red carpet and strike a pose with the film’s director and producer, Erin Bagwell, and her co-producer, Komal Minhas.
Bagwell is a 2009 graduate of the college’s digital media arts program and an alumna of the Video Institute. After the screening, Bagwell and Minhas will host a question and answer session.
“Dream, Girl” showcases the empowering stories of women-run companies and the founders whose ambition and dedication drive them. The film features several female founders from a variety of diverse companies in tech, fashion, non-profit organizations and advertising.
Inspired by these stories, Bagwell left her nine-to-five job at a New York City advertising agency.
“Reading about all the amazing things women are accomplishing made me feel excited and motivated,” Bagwell recalls.
She launched Feminist Wednesday, a storytelling blog aimed at enlightening, empowering and encouraging women.
Feminist Wednesday quickly captured the attention of female readers and soon, Bagwell realized her mission was far greater than a single day of the week. That’s when this film-maker-at-heart decided to chase her dream and produce a feature-length documentary about female entrepreneurs
“There is an amazing female start-up culture in New York City,” says the digital media arts graduate. “We all know Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg but what about female entrepreneurs? What are their stories?”
Bagwell wanted to find out. But first, she needed money.
Bagwell took to Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform, where she shared her idea for the documentary. In just one month, she raised $104,157 − nearly double her $57,000 goal.
Bagwell and her all-female crew spent the next two-plus years chronicling the diverse challenges and successes of female entrepreneurs, including the co-founder of an industrial 3D printing company, the president and CEO of a private oil company, and a mother-daughter team that publishes books primarily by and about African Americans.
“Dream, Girl” premiered in New York City on June 9 to rave reviews. The film has received more than 200 requests for screenings in 27 different countries, including a May showing at the White House hosted by the National Women’s Business Council.
As a result of the groundbreaking film, Oprah Winfrey named Bagwell and Minhas to her “Super Soul 100,” which honors 100 extraordinary individuals who live life intentionally, create great social impact and bring inspiration to others.
Watch the trailer for “Dream, Girl” here.
Click here for more information about “Dream, Girl.”
Click here to see the complete “Super Soul 100” list.
Canisius is one of 28 Jesuit universities in the nation and the premier private university in Western New York.
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