Modern Films and The Kering Foundation have selected the finalists for the second annual 16 Days 16 Films, a short film initiative inspired by the UN Women campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. According to a press release, the initiative was organized “to raise awareness of gender-based violence through the power of cinema and to push for change and accountability.” 16 Days 16 Films kicked off yesterday, November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and will run through December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Each of the 16 Days will see the online premiere of a woman-directed short film that addresses violence against women. The initiative launched with Jessie Ayles’ “Waves,” which centers on three young girls growing up in a violent South African community. Germana Bianco and Chiara Speziale’s “Kedamono – The Beast,” an animated tale of a woman facing a monster, became available today.
“We are proud to support female filmmakers and their powerful stories that shed light on the complexities and prevalence of violence against women worldwide. Covering topics ranging from consent to female genital mutilation to femicide, these 16 films demonstrate how far we have come and yet how far we still have to go to eradicate this violence,” said Céline Bonnaire, executive director of the Kering Foundation.
Modern Films and Kering will screen the finalists on their online platforms. The shorts will also be shared by NGOs Chayn Italia and En avant toute(s) as well as the domestic abuse/sexual violence awareness campaign UK Says No More. All of the finalists will be shown at an awards ceremony in London on December 16.
“Our final 16 films present an exciting array of styles, giving voice to powerful stories in imaginative ways,” explained Johanna von Fischer, Producer 16 Days 16 Films. “By creating a public platform to profile these films and filmmakers, 16 Days 16 Films aims to amplify the reach of their stories and the vital issues raised, while encouraging and celebrating new and emerging female voices.”
A jury, including “Westworld” actress Thandie Newton, “Doctor Who” star Jodie Whittaker, and “Proxima” filmmaker Alice Winocour, will choose the top film as well as two runners-up. The first-place winner will have the opportunity to create a public service announcement for UK Says No More.
The 16 Days 16 Films finalists are below. You can watch the films on the initiative’s website.
CALLING HOME
Jade Jackman
FRANCA
Antonella Barbera and Patrizia Fazzi
FUTURIST WOMEN
Eelyn Lee
I’M LEFT SILENT
Daisy Evans
JEANNE
Clémence Peloso
KEDAMONO – THE BEAST
Germana Bianco and Chiara Speziale
KEEPSAKE
Helena Coan
LAST LEG
Ella Bennett
NAKED LINKS
Juliette Saint-Sardos
RÈSCE LA LUNE
Giulia Di Battista and Gloria Kurnik
THE THIRD SORROW
Myriam Raja
SURF GIRLS JAMAICA
Lucy Jane and Joya Berrow
THE WARIA OF JAVA
Ana Gonzalez
UNCUT- WOMEN’S WAR AGAINST FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATIONS
Emanuela Zuccala and Simona Ghizzoni
WAVES
Jessie Ayles
WOMXN
Adrien Gystere Peskine and Eden Tinto Collins
