Body Image/Eating Disorders

The Discovery of Dawn documents the causes, symptoms and effects of the eating disorders commonly afflicting today's young women. The information is organized around the plight of one 18-year-old survivor of anorexia nervosa whose struggle with the illness includes most of the feelings, thoughts, symptoms and experiences that mark the onset and pathology of serious eating disorders. Her testimony is supported by other recovering young women: one from anorexia, one from bulimia, one from compulsive eating. Dawn and her peers talk about what drove them into their struggles with food and what they did to survive. The video features conversations with actress and former model Andie MacDowell. Closed captioned. $195 (rental $50) 30 minutes.

"'The Discovery of Dawn' is excellent. I hope girls all over the country will be able to see it."

--Mary Pipher, author, "Reviving Ophelia" and "The Shelter of Each Other."

"'The Discovery of Dawn' is a moving and motivational teaching tool on the subject of eating disorders. ...Never pointing the finger of blame...the program raises questions and explores the cultural context in which anorexia and other eating disorders exist."

--David Considine, author,
"Visual Messages: Integrating Imagery into Instruction"

"I found it to be moving and informative with a good mix of 'regular' teens that other kids can relate to, as well as famous people like Andie McDowell. The accompanying study guide is a worthwhile read that contains a variety of useful exercises and facts. I particularly appreciated the activities on viewing the media (and advertising in particular) with a critical eye."

--Tabatha Yeats, editor, "Eye on Women."

"Thank you for letting me preview 'The Discovery of Dawn' and the accompanying resource guide. You have done it again. It is very interesting and covers an amazing amount of information in 29 minutes."

--Linda Riley, Center for Vocational, Technical and Adult Education,
University of Wisconsin-Stout.

"The video addresses many aspects of eating disorders and provides clear true-life consequences as a result of an eating disorder."

--Jennifer D. Halls, McKinley Health Center,
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"I am very impressed and have used it (the video) with body image groups."

--Chris Krzyston, Rogers Memorial Hospital,
Eating Disorders Treatment Center, Oconomowoc WI.

Chicago International Film Festival
American Women in Radio and Television Gracie Allen Award Honorable Mention
Midwest Emmy for Children's Programming
Intercom (Chicago Film Festival) Certificate of Merit
New York Health Expo Screening
WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival Finalist
U.S. International Film Festival Certificate for Creative Excellence
American Library Association Selected Video for Young Adults
Association of Education and Communication Technology Crystal Award
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association First Place for Service to Children
New York International Film Festival WorldMedal
CINDY Bronze Award
CINE Golden Eagle Award
WorldFest Charleston Bronze Award
Columbus International Film & Video Festival Bronze Plaque