Literature, film, and photography to promote social justice and change

Last night’s panel discussion over human trafficking was gripping and informative and the screening of Girl Rising was no less incredible. Today, Phil Borges, Yousef Khanfar, Todd Stewart, and Andrew Strout addressed the theme “Why Photography Matters” in a panel moderated by Mark A. White, and Borges later took those in attendance on a gallery tour of his exhibit Stirring the Fire. He told intimate stories about his experiences, and about the brave women he photographed around the world.

These themes continued into the afternoon where the film Girl Rising was screened for a second time and followed by a brief word from 2013 Puterbaugh Fellow Maaza Mengiste as she shared about the meek but brave spirit of Azmera—this is the young Ethiopian girl in the film who resisted a forced early marriage. After Mengiste spoke, four OU professors – Ralph Beliveau, Eric Bosse, Kristin Dowell, and Kimberly Roppolo – discussed using art to promote social and political change in a panel moderated by Jill Irvine. Check out the photo galleries from Thursday’s events below.

“Why Photography Matters” and Gallery Talk with Phil Borges

Photography Roundtable and Gallery Talk, 2013 Puterbaugh Festival

Roundtable: Using Art to Promote Social and Political Change

Roundtable with Maaza Mengiste, 2013 Puterbaugh Festival

Festival Schedule

  • No Events

Email Signup

Subscribe to our mailing list

* indicates required

Follow the Festival

Special Offers

Subscribe & Support WLT

World Literature Today

OU World Literature Today
630 Parrington Oval, Suite 110
Norman, OK 73019
405-325-4531

For additional information and/or accommodations on the basis of disability, call World Literature Today at (405) 325-4531.

Events