Jim and I attended a film screening and post-screening discussion on Saturday as part of the Denver Film Festival. The importance of the subject compelled me to tell you about it today, pre-GRAND Social (my most visited feature), rather than as a future Saturday movie review.

STORY OF A GIRL is the directorial debut for Kyra Sedgwick and a powerful film parents, grandparents, and anyone sympathetic to struggles today's girls face should see.

Kevin Bacon and Ryann Shane in STORY OF A GIRL

For the film — which aired on Lifetime in July — Sedgwick directs her husband, Kevin Bacon, and Ryann Shane, as well as her daughter, Sosie Bacon. (Her son contributed the score, making it a full family affair.) Shane shines as Deanna, a 16-year-old girl attempting to overcome the repercussions of a sex video featuring her that went viral three years earlier. Thanks to a smart story, deft directing, and Shane's spunk, Deanna impressively escapes being portrayed as a powerless victim.

STORY OF A GIRL post-screening discussion with (from left) author Sara Zarr, screenwriter Emily Bickford Lansbury, and first-time feature director Kyra Sedgwick — **STORY OF A GIRL** post-screening discussion with (from left) author Sara Zarr, screenwriter Emily Bickford Lansbury, and first-time feature director Kyra Sedgwick

STORY OF A GIRL touches on the sexual pressures and expectations of young women, and the increased danger and damage of the longstanding issue now that social media plays a role in the problem. Kevin Bacon nails the part of Deanna's understanding employer, Sosie Bacon is at turns humorous and heartbreaking as Stacey, Deanna's brother's teen girlfriend who lives in the financially strapped family's basement with him and their baby.

The film provides an unflinching, realistic look at how the combination of sexual pressures — self-imposed as well as societal — and social media affect females and families, making it a super conversation starter for adults responsible for the raising and well-being of girls.

STORY OF A GIRL is now available for streaming via iTunes, Hulu, Amazon and other streaming services. I strongly urge grandmothers and others to view it.