FIGHTING THE SILENCE

SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN CONGO

The Netherlands 2007 • Director: Ilse & Femke van Velzen • 53 minutes • French/Swahili with English Subtitles

Festivals: IDFA 2007, Netherlands AIFF, Jerusalem IFF, London IDF 2008

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s seven-year war was the deadliest ever recorded in Africa. During that time, more than 80,000 women and girls were raped. Only now that the country is formally at peace are the consequences of the brutality becoming truly visible. Rape is slowly seeping into everyday life.

Fighting the Silence tells the story of ordinary Congolese women and men that are struggling to change their society: one that prefers to blame victims rather than prosecute rapists. Rape survivors and their families speak out openly about the suffering they endured because their culture considers women second-class citizens and rape a taboo. They give voice to thousands of other survivors and their families who have chosen to hide their grief and remain silent, for fear of being rejected by their families and community.

Girls and women survivors tell of the brutality they experienced. Married couples openly talk about the pain they endure. Husbands talk of the pressures that led them to abandon their wives and why they agreed to take them back. A father explains why he has given up on his daughter’s future and how he wishes he could afford to take her rapist to court. Soldiers and policemen share their (shocking) views about why rape continues to flourish despite the war having offi cially ended four years ago.

Screenings

Wellington Friday 9 May, 8.15pm Sunday 11 May, 5.45pm
Auckland Friday 16 May, 8.15pm Sunday 18 May, 5.45pm
Christchurch Friday 23 May, 8.15pm Sunday 25 May, 5.45pm
Dunedin Friday 30 May, 8.15pm Sunday 1 June, 5.45pm

Related

WESTERN SAHARA

OCCUPATION 101

NOW THE PEOPLE HAVE AWOKEN

2008 Dates

Wellington 8 - 16 May
Paramount Theatre

Auckland 15 - 23 May
Rialto Newmarket

Christchurch 22 - 30 May
Regent on Worcester

Dunedin 29 May - 6 June
Rialto Dunedin