Last night was the kickoff for the Women’s Center Film Series, an event that is meant to give students a chance to take a closer look at social issues.

The series is a new event for the center and will have three more dates throughout the semester. All of the films are shown from 6 to 8 p.m . in the Talley Green Room. The films that are being shown have not all been chosen but are going to be documentaries or alternative films that portray some type of social problem in the world.

Jennifer Castillo, assistant director of programming at the Women’s Center, says that the series is good because it gives students a chance to look at social issues related to diversity.

“The film series is meant to engage students, faculty and staff in conversations on current social issues related to equity and diversity as well as educate the campus about the importance of media literacy as a tool to create critical thinkers and advance social change,” Castillo said.

The inspiration behind the film series, according to Castillo, came from other myriad campus centers that utilized film to start discussions on campus and engage critical thinking for students.

“I’ve utilized several films from the media education foundation in working with students as well as in nonprofit community-based organizations and they really seem to help people connect to issues and create community,” Castillo said.

This is the first time that the center has held a film series, but they annually hold various other campus events. Things like the chocolate festival and weekly yoga classes are put on by the center to give women an outlet and a way to feel empowered, according to Lois Crowe, office manager for the center.

“There are a number of ways that the campus benefits from us,” Crowe said.

The main goal of the center is to provide support and assistance for females at the University. It provides services such as outreach for sexual violence and leadership programs to help empower young women.

“It’s empowering in many ways. A service that is good for women,” Crowe said.

Castillo stressed the importance of helping the student body connect by taking the time to learn about various social issues and discussing them. This was one of the main reasons that the film series was created.

“The film series could provide a great avenue to learn about one’s world and connect with others . . . to gain academic and professional skill sets, foster personal and social responsibility, learn more about people or issues one might not otherwise identify with, knowledge of human cultures and just ability to gain new perspective, emotional support and inspiration and enjoy some popcorn and soda with your friends and classmates,” Castillo said.

Stacey Rodsater , a junior in international studies, supports the center because of the support it provides for all women on campus.

“The women’s center is beneficial because it gives our female students a place they can go for information or help without having to worry about judgment,” Rodsater said.

The next date for the film series is on Oct. 18. The series is open to anyone who is interested in attending.