IDFA 2008
Rough Aunties
Kim Longinotto
England
2008
103 min
World Premiere
At one point, an experienced rough auntie announces that the tissues are gone. That
won't surprise anyone, considering the number of tears shed in this film about
an organisation called Bobbi Bear, which fights to bring child rapists to
justice in South Africa. Nicknamed rough aunties, the employees of Bobbi Bear
are faced with the most awful situations in their work and aren't protected from
misery themselves. Kim Longinotto's gripping film follows the women in their
confrontations. Children and adults of all ages run the risk of being consumed and torn apart by fear, grief and powerlessness. Under the motto "Never stop crying for the children," the rough aunties offer the victims support, comfort and encouragement. As for the offenders, who often come from the same households, the goal is to make sure they don't get away with it. For victims of sexual violence, it's not always easy to talk about what happened. With the help of a teddy bear, the children point out the body parts and put a band-aid on the part that was violated. Rough Aunties reveals the heartbreaking
consequences of the horrible things people do to one another, but also how the victims receive help from strong women. In the midst of so much suffering, that offers a bit of hope.
confrontations. Children and adults of all ages run the risk of being consumed and torn apart by fear, grief and powerlessness. Under the motto "Never stop crying for the children," the rough aunties offer the victims support, comfort and encouragement. As for the offenders, who often come from the same households, the goal is to make sure they don't get away with it. For victims of sexual violence, it's not always easy to talk about what happened. With the help of a teddy bear, the children point out the body parts and put a band-aid on the part that was violated. Rough Aunties reveals the heartbreaking
consequences of the horrible things people do to one another, but also how the victims receive help from strong women. In the midst of so much suffering, that offers a bit of hope.
Credits
World Sales
Rise Films
Rise Films
Screening copy
Rise Films
Rise Films
Director
Production
Involved TV Channel
Channel 4
Channel 4
Cinematography