Hello I am Lindsay, and I am a senior at Brick Township High School. On the date of Wednesday, March 29, 2000, I have a report due on "The Changing Roles of Women in Films". I have done a lot of searching but can't find any information that could be used in my paper. If you could I would appreciate if you could send me some information on this topic. Thank you for your time.

I'm not sure if you watched the Academy Awards this year, but I think that what Hillary Swank said when she won the award for best actress for "Boys Don't Cry" exactly relates to what you are doing. She thanked the Academy for letting roles such as the one she played, which acknowledge diversity in people. She wished for a day when each person could play roles that not only respected that diversity, but celebrated it. So that hopefully is a sign that is has changed and will hopefully continue to change for the better.

Also, I'm told Erin Brockovich is a great film in terms of accurately representing certain women. So I think the best way to talk about the changing role is to look at the positive examples we do have and also how to make it even better. Women in Film (a New York City based organization) might have some suggestions. As might the New York Women in Television and Film. There is also a book called Reel Women.

—Amy