Sisters in Law

"I'm afraid [the accused] has missed a century. This is the century where women's rights are respected," observes Judge Hortense Bam. Set in Kumba Town, Cameroon, is a powerful case study of a society in transition and Direct Cinema at its best. The film captures the legal proceedings and courtroom drama surrounding several heartfelt stories. Six-year-old Grace was beaten by her depraved aunt. Young Sonita was raped by a neighbor, but she is brave enough to do something about it. The quiet Amina seeks a divorce from an abusive husband. Instead of playing victims, the women are empowered by the supportive climate created by Judge Bam and State Prosecutor Vera Ngassa, who foster courage in them every day. Master filmmaker Kim Longinotto has a compassionate camera eye and an uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time -- always in the moment, discreet, culturally aware, and sensitive. This film moves us into an emotional, humanist space, one that provides positive hope for real change.