New film resource raises awareness of gender-based violence

‘Screening Sexual Violence: Silence Breaking and Performance Activism Post #MeToo’ is a British Academy-funded research project led by Dr Peberdy. Analysis of more than 400 short films from eight countries and interviews with filmmakers have informed the creation of this new resource – an online repository for education and guidance on representing gender-based violence in film.

Screening Sexual Violence is a large-scale, wide-reaching project exploring how film can be utilised as a form of activism to end gender-based violence. The project’s online resource offers education providers, support workers, filmmakers and individuals insight and knowledge, which not only helps towards creating accurate and mindful depictions of these issues on screen but also advances awareness and education.

The resource, which includes access to award-winning short films by female filmmakers alongside interviews and a question bank, will help people engage with challenging topics, supported by informed material. Dr Peberdy is an authority on representations of sex on screen, as well as masculinity and gender in contemporary film and culture. She says:

“Worldwide, one in three women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence during their lifetime, yet violence against women remains largely unreported and myths and misconceptions continue to abound.

“Short film has the power to engage individuals and groups in a unique way, and the Screening Sexual Violence resource has been developed to help people navigate this difficult and urgent subject. I hope it will inspire many new conversations and positive interventions.”

The Screening Sexual Violence resource has been created in association with 16 Days 16 Films, which empowers female filmmakers and campaigns to end violence against women. Co-Founder, Johanna von Fischer, says:

“This project significantly elevates the value of our festival by making our films accessible beyond the event itself. It will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversations, and we hope it will serve as an invaluable resource for educators. To see it come to life in such a comprehensive way exceeds all our expectations and we couldn’t be prouder. We’re honored to have been the inspiration behind this project and to have contributed to the creation of such an incredible resource.”

Following its release, the resource is already supporting and informing conversations about gender-based violence, including within education. A spokesperson for a Hampshire college says:

“There is a real need for high-quality resources to support discussions around healthy relationships and sexual harm in educational settings. The ready-made discussion questions and lesson outlines provided in the resource will be invaluable in facilitating meaningful conversations, especially for less experienced tutors. This resource will enable us to have more in-depth discussions around sexual harassment, violence and domestic abuse, giving these crucial topics the attention they deserve.”

Dr Peberdy is now working in partnership with national charity, Safeline, informing their training on sexual harassment in the workplace. The charity’s Head of Prevention and Early Intervention, Colin Walker, says:

“Screening Sexual Violence is one of the best resources I have seen in the last 10 years. This excellent resource brings awareness of the trauma caused by sexual abuse and violence; other resources we have used haven’t included such detailed insight.”

Visit the Screening Sexual Violence online resource here.