All of these films are extremely difficult to watch. They deal with unspeakable horror in graphic terms. They are also both the work of foreign producers examining another culture’s story. Does that strengthen or lessen their impact? And what are the messages the filmmakers are giving out − consciously or not? Are they trying to save the world or is voyeurism at the end of the day what they create and cater to? Get Real: Women Not Witches tells the horrifying story of the 150 or more women every year who are tortured and killed for ‘witchcraft’ in Papua New Guinea. This Singaporean production interviews killers and victims to show the gruesome social context for these crimes. India’s Daughter is an American production about the notorious gang rape and murder of a New Delhi medical student that prompted a wave of protest in India and around the world. Like the Singaporean production it gives voice to the murderers and their apologists − as well as the victims. The program was banned in India. SQ Abuse: Women Break the Silence takes a more journalistic approach to uncovering the untold stories of the suffering of indigenous women at the hands of police officers. Does it take a privileged white reporter to make authorities sit up and notice? What is the value of telling these stories for a global audience? Is it worthwhile giving the murderers a chance to justify themselves? Can one culture sit in judgment on another?
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