Filmmaker Su Friedrich tells a story with each of her films, which are generally autobiographical and personal experiences. She will share some of her stories when she screens two of her films today at 4 p.m. in the Park Auditorium.

Friedrich has been a major player in experimental cinema in America for more than two decades and her presence as one of the few female filmmakers in the industry has earned her high praise.

A professor of film and video production at Princeton University, Friedrich has been the writer, director, cinematographer, sound record-er and editor for 12 of her 13 films.

Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgendered Services Coordinator Lisa Maurer said this event is important for two reasons.

“The most important [reason] is that visual media representation of the LGBT community serves as a powerful tool to educate others,” she said.

Maurer also said she thinks successful artists serve as strong role models.

The goal of Friedrich’s visit to campus is to “examine and enjoy the work of one of the few lesbian filmmakers,” said Maurer.

Cathy Crane, assistant professor of cinema and photography, said she also considers Friedrich to be a successful role model.

“In an educational aspect, Friedrich serves as a face to the history of gay and lesbian artists,” Crane said. “It is important for gay and lesbian artists to know that there is a history that has developed for decades.”

Crane, who is responsible for bringing Friedrich to the college, described her as “a formal film feminist.”

Friedrich has a new film which was scheduled to be shown at Cornell Cinema, so Crane thought it would be worthwhile to ask Friedrich to come to Ithaca College after her stop at Cornell.

Friedrich’s stops here and at Cornell are a part of a fall tour that will take her to Virginia, Ohio, New York and Canada.

Friedrich’s appearance will include a screening of two of her early films: “Sink or Swim” and “Rules of the Road.”

“Rules of the Road” tells the story of a love affair and its demise caused by the couple’s beige station wagon.

In “Sink or Swim,” 26 short stories tell of a long journey of childhood events that shaped a woman’s ideas about fatherhood, family, work and play.

“The reason these two films were chosen is that they explore personal expression, something we all need to be aware of,” said Crane.

Friedrich’s appearance is being cosponsored by the Department of Cinema and Photography and the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services.

Crane said Friedrich’s works expose “the strong, independent spirit of this country, in that not every effort needs to be folded up into a corporate structure.”