The social campaign #IAmNotAfraidToSayIt, the #MeToo movement, the “Support 46” flash mob — from the voices of survivors on social media to protests in the streets of Kyiv, the issue of sexual violence continues to resonate sharply both in Ukraine and worldwide.
This is a delicate and painful subject, and although it can sometimes be difficult and frightening to face, we must talk about it. Most importantly, we must listen to those who have lived through traumatic experiences.
The program Testimony of a Body: Films on Sexual Violence is diverse and multifaceted — from documentaries sharing deeply personal accounts to genre cinema exploring “rape and revenge”. Each work seeks to look violence straight in the eye, transforming silence into dialogue.
🎤 Films are screened in their original language, without Ukrainian subtitles.
💬 A discussion with curator Alyona Shylova will follow screening.
❗ These films may contain potentially triggering or disturbing elements, such as mentions of violence, physical and sexual abuse, and misogyny.
🔞 Recommended Age: 16+
MEN OF SILENCE
Director: Bo Pärletun
Country: Sweden
Duration: 15
Alex has just received funding for his first feature film. During the kick-off party for the movie, the film’s writer reveals that one of the actors in the main cast has sexually assaulted her.
PLACE WITHOUT MEMORY
Director: Philip Treschan
Country: Germany
Duration: 28
‘Place without memory’ is a search that begins in a photo album: a double page with the inscription "Summer '94", the photographs show a vacation in the mountains. They are traces of a collection of memories, traces of past violent experiences and at the same time a possibility for a present-day confrontation.
8TH FEBRUARY
Director: Sara Martínez Sanz
Country: Spain
Duration: 15
Elisa, an aspiring actress, goes to talk about her experience to a journalist. During the interview she becomes aware of what she has gone through and the guilt she is carrying. Based on a true story.
TESTIMONY OF DISAPPOINTMENT
Director: Magdalena Synoradzka
Country: Poland
Duration: 23
Twenty-five year old Judith, lives with her father and works daily in big company as a janitor. Lonely, introverted woman finds outlet for her feelings as a butterfly collector. After an incident of harassment committed by employees, she takes vengeance.
FEU FANTÔME (TO THE EMBERS)
Director: Morgane Ambre
Country: France
Duration: 28
Seven years ago, I was raped by a boy I really liked. Three years ago, he wrote me a letter to take responsibility for his actions. This film is our open letter to rape culture.