A toxic weekend is in store for the University, when New York University adjunct professor Judith Helfand brings her film, “Blue Vinyl” to 180 PLC at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The screening will also include a discussion with pollution expert and University ecology and evolutionary biology Assistant Professor Joe Thornton.
The film, a “‘toxic comedy’ for the whole family” explores Helfand’s research on the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride and its health and environmental impacts. The documentary received the Excellence in Cinematography Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, the first prize for best documentary at the 2002 Bermuda International Film Festival and three other international film festival awards.
Helfand will also present a lecture, “Women in Danger: Toxics and Women’s Health,” at noon Friday in 330 Hendricks. She will also be a guest speaker on KLCC’s radio show at noon Sunday. In addition, Helfand will present her film a second time at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Churchill High School Auditorium, located at 1850 Bailey Hill Road. Donations are suggested.

— Jacquelyn Lewis