The College of the Canyons Humanities Division will present three screenings of the critically acclaimed film “Girl Rising,” which showcases how the power of education helped transform the lives of nine extraordinary girls from around the world.

Directed by Academy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker Richard Robbins, “Girl Rising” tells the story of nine girls from nine different countries, whose stories are told by nine celebrated writers and narrated by nine renowned actresses, including Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway and Salma Hayek.

While each of the girls has a unique story, many of the obstacles they face are ubiquitous to the millions of girls around the world who are being denied access to education.

Despite facing a series of heartbreaking injustices — ranging from forced servitude, homelessness, arranged marriage and child slavery — the girls spotlighted in “Girl Rising” have chosen to share their uplifting personal journeys in hopes that their courage will help inspire others, while sparking a worldwide educational revolution.

“We often take for granted the opportunities that we have, and never stop to realize how much others struggle to achieve what we believe to be a basic right. Despite the odds against them, they still manage to overcome and change their lives,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook. “Their resilience inspires gratitude and a recommitment to make the most of what we have. That’s why this film is so important, and why we are so proud to screen it at College of the Canyons for the benefit of the community.”

The COC Humanities Division will host screenings of the film “Girl Rising” at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in Hasley Hall, Room 101, located on the college’s Valencia campus.

Panel discussions will be held following the 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and refreshments will be made available before/after both of the afternoon screenings.

To reserve seats for a screening of “Girl Rising” at College of the Canyons, attendees are encouraged to register in advance by visiting www.girlrisingcoc.eventbrite.com. Seating is limited.

These events are being funded through a grant from Chancellor Van Hook made possible by the College of the Canyons Foundation.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Humanities Division’s presentation of “Girl Rising” please e-mail girlrising@canyons.edu or contact Jennifer Brezina at 661-362-5919.