DATE: 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014

PLACE: Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

EVENT: The Center for the Education of Women at the University of Michigan kicks off its 50th anniversary with a free night of short films.

Oscar-winning director Cynthia Wade will discuss her documentary “Mondays at Racine” and introduce five other short films created by women or illuminating women’s lives.

“Mondays at Racine” documents the experiences of both salon owners and clients on the one Monday each month when women diagnosed with cancer are offered free services. Nominated for the 2013 Academy Award for Best Short Documentary, the film follows the pain and discovery of these women whose bodies are undergoing change.

The animated “Stairs to No End,” directed by Daniella Koffler, tells the story of a young woman seeking knowledge and the freedom to learn.

“You Can Touch My Hair” follows the interactive public art exhibition that resulted in women of color discussing the cultural history of hair and body stereotyping.

Following women members of a rugby team, Laura Green’s “Lady Razorbacks” tells the story of an inspiring group of Pacific Islander women.

Two films from the U.K. are included in the evening: “Stand Up” provides a glimpse of how to support LGBT youth. “Undressing My Mother” allows viewers to see an older woman as she muses on her body, on love and on her experience of aging.

SPONSOR: U-M Center for the Education of Women

INFORMATION: Free registration is requested at http://conta.cc/1aqRoFb