Eden Valley Enterprises

Victoria Woodhull:Shattering Glass Ceilings

IT WAS A HIT!

Our newest documentary about the first female candidate for the U.S. Presidency had its premiere on September 15, 2024 at the Lorain Historical Society. The film had two screenings to capacity crowds with a Q & A afterward with Director, Peter Huston; Writer, Kelly Boyer Sagert and EVE Artistic Director Bette Lou Higgins. During the second screening, Kate Luke who brought Victoria to life on-screen joined in the talkback session. The audience shared their thoughts AND surprise at a woman candidate running before women could even vote!

The festivities continued with refreshments generously provided by Giant Eagle/Midway Mall,Jenny's Old Fashioned Popcorn, Ms. Margaret Huntleyand Ms. Roberta Rocco. We are grateful to them and all our donors.

The Votes Are In!

* Pat Hassema e-mailed: Thank you for introducing us to the small but mighty crew that produced VICTORIA WOODHULL: SHATTERING GLASS CEILINGS. Your September 15th presentation at Lorain's Historical Society was a perfect setting for Victoria Woodhull to explain her "ahead of the times"-self to us. It was super to hear from this team and a cast member. Kudos for your dedicated research and production skills that can be shared in film with many audiences to come.

* Margy Huntley commented: Watching the Victoria Woodhull movie was exciting ... learning what a patriotic, independent woman Victoria was. She was especially amazing given the time period.

* Kyle Huston e-mailed: I was startled by how timely and relevant "Victoria Woodhull, Shattering Glass Ceilings" is: restive youth prodding for change, using provocative language, dress and spectacle to garner attention. For Victoria Woodhull, any publicity was good publicity. All to promote a simple arguement: nothing in the constitution says women can’t vote. And so her fight wasn’t with the law itself but obstinate old men, who would use every inch of the law to attack Victoria on the flimsiest pretext. All this has happened before, all this will happen again and we can learn much from Woodhull’s example as detailed in this slick, concise film.

* Marv Jonason said: Congratulations to the producers of this documentary: Victoria Woodhull Shattering Glass Ceilings. It gave a historical overview of the struggle for women to have the right to vote and equal rights in a male dominated society. The use of interview and theatrical narrative kept the documentary flowing. It introduced the viewer to an intelligent women ahead of her time yet a key force for changes we have today.

* Rod Knight e-mailed: Victoria was quite an unusual woman. Especially in the days when women, in important matters, were not expected to be seen let alone heard. The visuals make bring this story to life! And the research was incredible.

* Michael McConnell wrote: A fascinating look back at a significant historical figure who was decades ahead of her time. From the confines of her prison cell, the Victoria Woodhull documentary shows us the power of an individual fighting against oppression — how her fight was a catalyst that brought significant change and advanced the rights of many while also showcasing the tactics of those in power to limit her voice.

* Barb Piscopo; Director — Lorain Historical Society: The film presented by Eden Valley Enterprises on the life of Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President of the United States, was timely and eerily similar to what we are experiencing 150 years later with the candidacy of Vice President Kamala Harris. I was fascinated by the reactions of our audience. Many women over the age of 65 who were in the audience expressed their impatience and disgust with the fact that the role of women in the United States has not come very far since that time. Sexism and misogyny are as evident today as they were when Victoria Woodhull ran. Although perhaps less obvious, the efforts of the male patriarchy to keep women in “their place” is very real today.

* Patti Thomin commented: I found the Victoria Woodhull film very enjoyable. It taught me much about the first woman who ran for United States President starting with her childhood, her background prior to running for President and how she conducted her campaign. It flowed through Victoria's
lifetime very smoothly - well produced! I would most definitely see it again.

*Rosemary Versaci says: Did you ever hear of Victoria Woodhull? No, I didn't either....so do yourself a favor and check out the documentary "Victoria Woodhull...the first woman to run for President when women didn't even have the right to vote yet. Check out how courageous this woman was and how so far ahead of her time. An inspiring and wonderful documentary!

Want to see what all the talk is about, check our calendar for the next screening or arrange for a your group to see the film at your next event -- just contact us!

Victoria Woodhull -- 1st woman to run for president 1872