Women in sports is focus of CU Cinema double-header April 9

A benefit screening of Gina Prince-Blythewood's film "Love and Basketball" is Sunday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Willard Straight Theatre.

Cornell Cinema and the Department of Athletics and Physical Education present a special double-header of films about women in sports April 9 in Willard Straight Theatre.

The event begins at 2 p.m. with a free screening of the documentary "A Hero for Daisy." At 7:30 p.m. Cornell Cinema and New Line Cinema will offer a sneak preview of the film "Love and Basketball." Admission to "Love and Basketball" is $6 general/$5 students and seniors. Tickets are on sale at the Willard Straight ticket desk; they also will be available at the theater on the afternoon of the screening. All proceeds will benefit Cornell Cinema.

"A Hero for Daisy" was a personal effort for first-time director Mary Mazzio, who will introduce the screening. When she gave birth to her daughter, she wondered who could be a role model for her little girl. She found a hero for Daisy in Chris Ernst, who led the 1976 Yale women's crew team in its fight for the full rights and protections guaranteed to female athletes by Title IX.

"Love and Basketball" has been getting rave reviews since its appearance at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and Ithaca audiences will get the chance to see it almost two weeks before its national release on April 21. Backed by Spike Lee's production company and starring the charismatic Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, this debut feature from Gina Prince-Bythewood follows childhood sweethearts Monica (Lathan) and Quincy (Epps) as their basketball careers progress from the playground to high school, college and beyond. Monica's desire to change the world of women's basketball and Quincy's pro ambitions threaten to bring an end to their romance, but an aggressive play in overtime might give them a chance to be winners on and off the court.