Documentary Production and Distribution News

(Phoenix) In the spirit of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 21 – 27, 2010, Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders (http://www.remudaranch.com) has sponsored the PG-13 version of the award-winning film, America The Beautiful (http://www.americathebeautifuldoc.com).

America The Beautiful is a feature length documentary about the beauty industry directed by Darryl Roberts. In the film, Roberts embarks on a five-year journey to examine America's new obsession – physical perfection. The documentary shows how increasingly unattainable images contribute greatly to low self-esteem, body dysmorphia and eating disorders for young women and girls.

"Remuda Ranch's involvement will help get the film seen by more people," said Darryl Roberts, director of America The Beautiful. "In addition to a wider viewership, Remuda Ranch will serve as a central place that we can direct individuals to go to that are looking for help with an eating disorder."

"Remuda Ranch is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year," said Dena Cabrera, PsyD, staff psychologist at Remuda Ranch. "We felt it was important to sponsor this film because we need to create awareness of all the negative messages and illusions out there that can negatively impact body image, self esteem and self worth among women and girls. In a culture saturated with images of thinness, glamorous celebrities and diet ads, eating disorders are affecting girls younger and younger."

Eating disorders now affect 11 to 13 million Americans of all ages. Many of those suffering do nothing about it. The film's outreach will include special screenings at college campuses around the country. The film will speak to those who need help, have gone through treatment, and will seek to stop many from ever having to travel down the difficult road of recovery from an eating disorder.

"Although the media's voice is loud, there are actions and positions we can take as a society to combat the illusions and messages being sent," adds Cabrera. "We need the focus to be on developing healthy and self-accepting behaviors."

Resources:

Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders: www.remudaranch.com