Medical Biophysics Graduate Student Association

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Great Docs: Pink Ribbons, Inc.

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New documentary being shown at TIFF Bell Light box. As heard on CBC's Metro Morning.

Pink Ribbons, Inc. is a documentary looking at the politics of philanthropy, and more specifically how private corporations have potentially profited off the Pink Ribbon campaign for Breast Cancer. Directed by Lea Pool, supported by the National Film Board of Canada, and inspired by the book Pink Ribbons, Inc.: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy by Queen's professor Samantha King, this documentary demonstrates the great discourse coming out of our nation.

I highly recommend to anyone who's directly or indirectly involved in Breast Cancer research, or who's simply interested in some critical perspectives on how we donate money to charities, to go and check it out! The documentary provides the viewer with some criteria to consider when evaluating the progress of a charitable campaign and its relationship with corporate sponsors. For example, the film discusses companies such as AstraZeneca, who simultaneously sells the drug Arimidex used in breast cancer therapy, while also distributing the pesticide Acetochlor, which has been linked to increased cancer rates.

Pink Ribbons, Inc. is playing this week only at TIFF, so hurry and catch a viewing. TIFF charges $9.50 with a student card and there are multiple showings every day until FEBRUARY 16th!

Check it out and share your thoughts below!