The Assistant

Through our partnership with the filmmaking team and Level Forward, as well as distributors Bleecker Street and the Screen Forward network, we are providing resources below for you to not only connect with the film, but delve deeper into the issues of workplace discrimination, abuse of power and the ways in which equity must be actively incorporated into every aspect of workplace culture.
Inspired by hundreds of real-life stories, The Assistant is a searing look at a day in the life of an assistant to a powerful executive. As Jane (Emmy Award winner Julia Garner) follows her daily routine, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious abuse that threatens every aspect of her position. Meticulously researched, written and directed by filmmaker Kitty Green (Casting JonBenet), the film is a nuanced exploration of one of the most destructive issues in workplace culture. Jane’s experience is, unfortunately, the experience of so many entry-level employees – disproportionately those of color – in companies across the globe.

ORGANIZATIONS

The following organizations provide resources and services related to harassment and discrimination. This list is not comprehensive, but it is has been curated for relevance to the film’s subject matter.

/ CATALYST:

Catalyst is a research and advisory organization working to build workplaces that work for women. Its research focuses on building inclusive workplace cultures, addressing issues at the intersection of gender, race and ethnicity, and engaging men as champions to help women advance and succeed. It provides tools and solutions to combat unconscious bias and sexual harassment and to promote inclusion. Visit https://www.catalyst.org.

/ METOO MOVEMENT:

MeToo’s goal is to reframe and expand the global conversation around sexual violence to speak to the needs of a broader spectrum of survivors. Young people, queer, trans, and disabled folks, Black women and girls, and all communities of color. MeToo strives to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and we want strategies implemented to sustain long term, systemic change. Visit https://metoomvmt.org.

/ NATIONAL WOMEN’S LAW CENTER:

The Center has worked for more than 40 years to protect and promote equality and opportunity for women and families. It champions policies and laws that help women and girls achieve their potential at every stage of their lives—at school, at work, at home, and in retirement. Its staff is made up of committed advocates who take on the toughest challenges, especially for the most vulnerable women. https://nwlc.org.

/ NINE TO FIVE:

Nine to Five is dedicated to putting working women’s issues on the public agenda. The membership is composed of mostly women, many working two jobs or more to make ends meet for their families. They have worked for and won major policies including the Family Medical Leave Act and the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. For more information visit https://9to5.org.

/ THE PURPLE CAMPAIGN:

The Purple Campaign is a broad coalition of stakeholders working together to implement stronger corporate policies, establish better laws and empower people to create lasting change within their own workplace and communities. The Purple Campaign organizes advocacy campaigns and grassroots efforts to empower people to act to end sexual harassment. To learn more, visit https://www.purplecampaign.org.

/ SAFE HORIZON:

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization. Their mission is to provide support, prevent violence in all its forms, and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities. Safe Horizon also offers confidential hotline and counseling support for survivors of abuse, sexual assault, trauma and victims of other forms of violence. If you or someone you know needs help contact 1-800-621-HOPE (4673). For more information, visit https://www.safehorizon.org.

/ TIME’S UP:

By helping to change the culture, companies, and laws, TIME’S UP now aims to create a society free of gender-based discrimination in the workplace and beyond. We want every person — across race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, and income level — to be safe on the job and have equal opportunity for economic success and security. https://timesupnow.org.

/ WORKPLACES RESPOND CAMPAIGN:

The campaign is focused on shifting workplace culture toward respect, support & resilience. They house a virtual library of useful tools for employers, employees and advocates that help unpack abuse of power and provide new models for workplace culture. Workplaces Respond is a project of Futures Without Violence. For more information visit https://www.workplacesrespond.org.

In furtherance of our vision to advance economic, gender and racial justice, The New York Women’s Foundation has partnered with The Assistant, a film that depicts the spectrum of workplace abuse that is experienced by so many women.

RESOURCES

/ ACLU SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA:

#FILMEQUALITY

/ NEW AMERICA: BETTER LIFE LAB:

#NowWhat:The Sexual Harassment Solutions Toolkit

/ ROTTEN APPLES:

Rotten Apples is a portal for ethical media consumption that includes most films and television shows. The service gives fans a simple way to discover information relating to misconduct and abuse of power tied to their favorites, and then engage in social actions with relevant organizations, some of whom are listed above.

/ TIME’S UP ANTI HARASSMENT PSA:

Rashida Jones and Donald Glover Sexual Harassment PSA video

TIPS FOR TAKING ACTION

/ ONLINE COURSE:

Giving Voice to Values, How to Speak Your Mind When You Know What’s Right (Professor Mary Gentile, Darden School of Business)

/ TIPSHEET:

Bystander Intervention Tips and Strategies (National Sexual Violence Resource Center)

/ TOOL:

Conversation Ground Rules (setting the stage for difficult conversations in the workplace) (Catalyst)

ONLY IN THEATERS

January 31st / NY & LA

February / Everywhere

If you have already seen The Assistant, please take two minutes to complete our short survey. As a thank you, we’d be happy to send you the survey results when completed.

Join us at the Celebrating Women® Breakfast on Thursday, May 4!

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