Becoming Women Documentary Film

What will become of young girls coming of age in a culture preoccupied with money, sex and violence? According to the FBI arrest statistics, girls are becoming increasingly more violent. The numbers of arrests have skyrocketed over the past decade and a half, leapfrogging past the rate of arrests for boys. Girls now account for 29 percent of all juvenile arrests.

Researchers in psychology, sociology and anthropology have noted that many problems endemic to adolescence, like piercing’s, tattooing, sex, rebellion, drug experimentation and gang culture, are a direct reaction to the lack of adult mentorship and support through girl’s adolescence years. In response to these issues the documentary, ‘Becoming Women’, offers rites of passage celebrations as a new way for teachers, health professionals, counselors, and parents to counteract the problems facing our daughters. The documentary is a call to action for adults to support girls in uncovering and embracing their strengths and natural abilities.

‘Becoming Women’ is a lively mixture of interviews, interspersed with footage of historical and contemporary rites of passage, on-location photography, and still photographs, through which we enter the lives of two very different young girls as they transition into adulthood. The film captures an inspiring alternative to the current hands off approach practiced in our culture offering resources and practical tools for adults working with girls. The film demonstrates the power and transformational qualities of Rite of Passage rituals, intending to make a profound impact in the lives of girls and the adults who love and support them.

The production is collaboration between two committed women:

Jayne Demente who has a vast background in film, business and education. She has a Masters degree in Religion and Philosophy with a specialty in Women’s Spirituality from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Bachelors degree in Organizational Management. Over the years she has coordinated the Sonoma Valley Film Festival and organized and hosted several women’s community events. She also has held the position of development executive with Ronald S. Dunas Productions, Tri-Star Productions and the Taft Entertainment Company in Los Angeles.

Suzanne Rock Stierle is an author, speaker, facilitator and producer of women’s and girl’s celebrations, workshops and retreats. She is the Executive Director of Young Women Encircle, a nonprofit organization that offers life skill training programs to girls. Her accomplishments consist of writing, developing and producing several projects including “Interior Solace, a young woman’s journey to herself” an educational public access TV show for teenage girls. In addition she appeared as a consultant and guest expert on "Thirteen", a MSNBC documentary about the challenges teenage girls face growing up in today's society.

Budget and Funding:

With the help of generous donors and many volunteers, money has been raised that has enabled us to complete nearly half of the principal photography, including footage from Young Women Encircles Rite of Passage Retreat and Youth Mentoring Connection Initiation Retreat. We have 30 quotes from participants and parents, over 500 photographs and close to 6 hours of film.

Marisa Tomei– Documentary Narrator, A well-known actress and winner of an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the role of Mona Lisa Vito in My Cousin Vinny.

Marisa will narrate the film both on and off screen.

- A Documentary Film