A special screening and talk with the film’s director will further the discussion about body image at Queen’s University.

After a showing of America the Beautiful, students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with director Darryl Roberts.

The documentary examines “America’s obsession with beauty” and the impact of the fixation on body image.

The event is part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness and engaging Queen’s students in a dialogue about self-image, while promoting a positive and healthy body image and self-concept. A 2013 Student Health Survey (NCHA) found that 25% of Queen’s respondents reported personal appearance being difficult to handle in the previous 12 months.  

“We know that conversation helps break the stigma that affects students living with a diagnosed eating disorder or struggling with unhealthy food and weight preoccupations, and can encourage students to reach out for help, or to support and encourage a friend, says Kate Humphrys, Health Promotion Coordinator at Health Counselling and Disability Services (HCDS). “Dialogue brought about by things like this movie screening also helps to promote a campus environment that supports positive body image for all members of the Queen’s community.”

The event is organized by the Student Experience Office, in collaboration with HCDS Health Promotion, the AMS Social Issues Commission, and the ASUS AuthenticallyU. It is being held tonight at 7 pm in the Kinesiology Building, Room 100. Admission is free.