This two-minute film for U.K. charity Women’s Aid is poignant and powerful, conveying the fear that a woman experiences in an abusive relationship. Viewers not only feel this palpable fear but also see that domestic abuse can extend to older women, in this case a grandmother portrayed by actress Tessa Peake-Jones whose abuser husband is chillingly played by Phil Davis. Supporting cast includes their adult daughter (portrayed by Ann-Marie Duff) and their grandchildren (Maddie Bates, James Bates).
Vignettes of seemingly sweet family life featuring the different generations are juxtaposed with violent outbursts by Davis against Peake-Jones. Davis is out of control, physically and psychologically abusing his wife, then expressing his regret and apologizing to her for his behavior. It’s a vicious cycle, the sadness of which is even evident in quiet moments when Peake-Jones is alone as we feel her utter isolation.
Paul Andrew Williams of RSA Films directed this public service piece titled “Do You See Her,” developing it in conjunction with Women’s Aid.
CreditsClient Women’s Aid Production RSA Films Paul Andrew Williams, director; Caspar Delaney, producer; Laura Duffy, production manager; Becky Bishop, production assistant; Barry Peters, location manager; Sam Powell, 1st AD; Nick Forrester, 2nd AD. Charlie Duffy, hair & makeup; Agnieszka Debska, production design; Zelda Sellars, wardrobe; Steen Young, stunt coordinator. Online Framestore Helen Hughes Editorial James Taylor, editor. Audio Pasha Shilov, sound recordist. Performers Tessa Peake-Jones, Phil Davis, Ann-Marie Duff, Maddie Bates, James Bates.
Top Spot of the Week: EHRAC, Animation Studio NOMINT Depict Life “In Limbo” As Families Search For Loved Ones
This animated film titled In Limbo depicts the journey of a heroic woman protagonist representing the countless families in the North Caucasus of Eastern Europe (where Chechnya is situated) searching for their forcibly disappeared loved ones. Utilizing theatrical elements, the film highlights the unnatural disruption caused by enforced disappearances and delves into the profound trauma these families endure. It emphasizes their long battles with the domestic authorities as they seek answers. The film also underscores the vital role of community support in helping these families cope and continue their fight for answers, serving as a compelling call to action for justice and human rights.
Through intimate storytelling, In Limbo raises awareness of the ongoing uncertainty that leaves families in a perpetual state of limbo, unable to find closure.
Directed by Afterman--the animation duo consisting of Tsvetelina Zdraveva and Jerred North--and created and produced by London-based animation studio NOMINT, In Limbo was commissioned by the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC).
In a joint statement, Zdraveva and North shared, “Our film takes place on a theater stage, highlighting how such tragedies are far removed from ordinary life,” they continued. “The stage is circular, resembling an artificial, perpetually spinning obstacle course, with a target—the red tail lights—just within sight yet never within reach, symbolizing the family’s never-ending quest for justice.”
“We used a limited primary color palette to contrast the two worlds all families are pulled between. Minimalist compositions of starkly silhouetted characters and environments create the ominous atmosphere of a deeply painful and... Read More