Lichtblick-Kino

The “Me Too” movement has been a milestone in raising awareness about sexual violence. With its origins in the work of activist Tarana Burke, and then popularized by actor Alyssa Milano, the movement has sparked important discussions about the methods of sexual assault and harassment, their connections to power, and the urgent need for cultural change.
Although Burke began using the phrase “me too” to encourage victims/survivors of sexual violence to find “empowerment through empathy” in their own communities, and Milano used it to demand a transparent discussion about the extent of male violence in Hollywood, both activists emphasized that victims/survivors are not alone and offered them a platform of collective support.
This VWFF short film category, however, focuses on the moments when victims/survivors become aware of their condition as such; the key phase when there is an awakening and they are finally able to respond to the violence and choose their own destiny.
Through a careful selection of short films, this category seeks to present stories of women who face different forms of violence and find the courage to reclaim their own power and dignity.
With this selection, we invite audiences to reflect on the importance of recognizing abuse, breaking the silence, and taking action to heal. In a world where sexual violence is still a reality, it is crucial to support and amplify the voices of victims/survivors. These voices are the inspiration for lasting cultural change in our communities and societies.
(Barbara Bielitz, curator)