Award-winning documentary chronicles women’s movement

Sisters of ’77

, about the historic national conference that revolutionized the women’s movement, will be screened Friday, March 18, to celebrate Women’s History Month.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. at the Carpenter’s Hall, 700 Olive St., St. Paul. The screening is free and open to the public. Popcorn and beverages will be provided.

In November 1977, 20,000 women and men left their jobs and homes in cities and small towns around the country to come together at the first National Women’s Conference in Houston. The conference attendees’ aim was to end discrimination against women and promote their equal rights.

Rare archival footage in the film breathes life into heated debates over issues like the Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive freedom, lesbian rights, sexual preference and minority rights. Sisters of ’77 provides a fascinating look at that pivotal weekend and how it changed American life and the lives of the women who attended.

The screening is sponsored by Lakes and Plains Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners, Sisters’ Committee, Twin Cities Coalition of Labor Union Women and Women in the Trades.