"A very relevant tool for women and men all over the world who are concerned with gender equality issues." Dr. Jeremy Sarkin, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law, Hofstra University Law School

A third of the guerrilla army were women. For 35 years they fought on the frontline and were treated as equals, serving as platoon commanders, tank drivers, barefoot doctors and engineers. By the late 1970s EPLF women fighters had come to personify an image of progress and liberation from oppressive traditions. But from 2002 on, thousands of them were demobilized.

Now they face life in villages where girls must be circumcised, wives must obey their husbands, and children are married off as young as 12. Reports suggest that half the women who fought on the front lines are now estranged from their families and live in abject poverty. Despite a new constitution intended to protect women's rights, the old ways - from bride prices to female circumcision - continue to be practiced.

Across the world, women soldiers like Belaniesh who've literally fought for their rights are struggling to hold on to their gains now that men don't need them. Their plight reflects a growing, controversial academic view that almost all "liberation struggles" fail to realize their dream. On this count, Eritrea stands as a monument to the futility of taking arms to win rights which economic growth can more effectively fulfil.

For Commander Belainesh, it's time to decide whether her dreams of liberation have failed - and whether it's time to move on.

The other titles in the series are:

1. Edge Of Islam - Three Muslim students face a choice between their faith and their future.

2. Castro Or Quit - Two young doctors in Venezuela have to decide whether to leave the country or stay with their patients.

3. No Country For Young Girls? - A young Indian woman has to choose - stay with a husband who doesn't want female children, or make it on her own.

4. The Unforgiven - Should General Butt Naked (née Joshua Blahyi) - now a Christian pastor - be forgiven for his role in Liberia's horrific civil war?

5. Looking For My Gypsy Roots - Hungarian film director Arpad faces a dilemma - should he track down his Roma father?

6. The Dilemma Of The White Ant - Dominic Ongwen is both a victim and alleged perpetrator of LRA war crimes. Should he face an international court?

8. The Pied Piper Of Eyasi - The Hadza are among Africa's last hunter gatherers - should they follow charismatic Baallow into the modern world?

9. The Prince - A young Pakistani landowner chooses between trying to implement the MDGs in the village that his family owns, and a quiet life.

10. Running On Empty - Highlights the plight of two young mothers - one in South Wales and the other in Northern Ethiopia.

11. Collision Course - Reviews the positive steps being taken in India and Brazil to confront the serious public health issue presented by traffic accidents.



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adult
US Release Date: 2008     Copyright Date: 2008
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-816-3

Reviews "Three Sisters vividly and effectively explores issues concerning women's emancipation in the context of the liberation struggle in Eritrea. By examining the lives of three women against the backdrop of poverty and patriarchy, this film critically and forcefully examines traditional practices, including discrimination, female genital mutilation, circumcision, child brides, as well as women's health issues. It has resonance for the struggle by women for equality all around the world. It is a powerful indictment of the role played by women in liberation struggles and their inability to achieve their own emancipation and equality. This movie is a very relevant tool for women and men all over the world who are concerned with gender equality issues, especially those within transitional societies." Dr. Jeremy Sarkin, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law, Hofstra University Law School, Member, United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances "These women's dilemmas may be specific to their cultural situation, but they have been played out in various ways around the world as women struggle for social and economic equality. The film treats these issues with objectivity and sensitivity, which is a refreshing departure from others that filter such questions through the 'us-and-the-other' lenses. In the classroom, Three Sisters will provide rich material for multi-layered discussions about gender, cultural practices, and development." Miriam Conteh-Morgan, The Ohio State University Libraries, Educational Media Reviews Online