Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

Bemerton Film Society and Salisbury Soroptimists invite you to a special charity screening of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, on Wednesday 4 December to raise money for the Salisbury Womens Refuge. This film is the long-awaited film version of Judy Blume’s 1970 classic, groundbreaking novel. It was adapted for the screen and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig in 2023 and stars Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates with newcomer Abby Ryder Fortson playing the eponymous heroine.

Eleven-year-old Margaret, uprooted from her life in New York City and transplanted to suburban New Jersey, is going through the throes of puberty whilst making new friends in a new school. Margaret’s guides through puberty are her mother, who is facing her own struggles adapting to life outside of a big city, and her larger-than-life grandmother.

This is a fun and upbeat coming of age film, Rolling Stone magazine said the film was ‘about the state of womanhood in general, with all of the accompanying sacrifices and vexations that come with it’.

The film is being shown as part of the Salisbury Soroptimists’ ‘Orange the World’ programme and any profits from the screening will be donated to Salisbury Women’s Refuge.

Mulled wine (or a soft drink) and mince pies are included in the ticket price of £12.

A licenced cash bar is also available.

Doors open at 6.45 pm.

What is Orange the World?

The United Nation notes that violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devasting human rights violations in our world today and is a threat to millions of girls and women online and offline. It affects women regardless of their age, background, or level of education. This violence takes many forms, including physical, sexual, or psychological violence, as well as economic abuse and exploitation.

The 25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and it marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign. This is an organising strategy by individuals and organisations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. It concludes on 10th December, Human Rights Day. During the 16 days the United Nations encourages everyone to proactively raise awareness of the need to eliminate violence against women.

This campaign is also known as ‘Orange the World’ as the colour orange is used as the unifying colour throughout all activities. Orange is used as it symbolises a brighter future, free of violence against women and girls.

Host or Publisher Bemerton Film Society