Tapestries of Hope

The most striking element of the new documentary Tapestries of Hope is not the hell that the young rape survivors profiled have lived through, but their unbreakable spirit. The film is a vibrant international call to action and a breathtaking portrait of hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

The WIP will be hosting a special screening of Tapestries of Hope on December 3, 2009 at the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View, California. Director/producer Michealene Cristini Risley will be in attendance with the documentarys principal subject Betty Makoni, founder of Girl Child Network (GCN).
In 2007 Risley, a sexual abuse survivor herself, traveled to Zimbabwe to film Makoni and the young rape survivors at the GCN. The girls some as young as three years-old are all victims of sexual abuse, motivated in large part by the belief that having sex with a virgin will cure a man of HIV/AIDS. This ideology is propagated by Zimbabwes traditional healers who tout the curative properties of virgin blood, a myth held in many parts of Africa.

In the economically and politically bankrupt country of Zimbabwe, young rape survivors are ostracized by their families after being victimized. Many contract HIV/AIDS and find themselves impregnated by their rapists. Makonis GCN is a beacon of hope for these girls to find support and realize their dreams through education.

For women, life in Zimbabwe is a constant barrage of abuse and obstacles. Genital mutilation is socially accepted and widespread. Basic necessities like new underwear and menstruation supplies are considered luxuries; monthly menstruation is so debilitating that it keeps many girls out of school because they lack necessary provisions. And yet, Makoni and the girls at GCN are testaments to the power of perseverance and hope for a better tomorrow.

While shooting on location, Risley and her assistant were arrested, imprisoned, and eventually deported by the authorities. Despite only being able to film in the country for a few weeks, the footage Risley captured particularly interviews with rape survivors and admitted rapists alike is an incredibly compelling 77 minutes.

for more info on this amazing film log onto www.tapestriesofhope.com


for more videos log onto http://www.blacktree.tv

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• tapestries
• of
• hope
• rape
• survivors
• documentary
• award
• winning
• nominated
• 2009
• africa

[nanae606]

does anyone know how someone could send gift packages to these girls, i would love to try to at least send a few, maybe for them to share such as personal items, underpants, toys, etc. makes me feel blessed and i live in one of the poorest areas in us, east ky.

[saskchic1011]

This makes me feel so blessed to live where I do......

[dreamsurfer63]

@saskchic1011 Do you know how rape victims are treated in your area? Here in the US, girls & women are hardly empowered, and are victimized again & again by the legal system, their own families, and society as a whole & aren't given a voice or others to talk to when they've been raped, especially by a family member. The reasons for rape may be different, & the damage is often worse.

Courts never ask the victim if they are OK with testifying and no support is given with or by other survivors.

[dreamsurfer63]

The courts also have a "statute of limitations" on rape by a family member, clergy, etc. Even in the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu & many other faiths, boys are a blessing, girls aren't celebrated & are considered to be "bad luck" when they are born, or even before their birth. Where the he** do these men think they came from anyhow?

WHY aren't girls & women empowered like they are at this center here in the US, and are made to go through photos, rape kits, etc. without their consent?

[dreamsurfer63]

Sadly, as it states in the film, girls & women in the US are again victimized & stigmatized AGAIN by the medical community, law enforcement, etc. here in the US as they are not asked what THEY need or want, nor are they removed from the home, & sadly are usually further victimized by their own families, who often don't believe them when they are able to talk about it.

[dreamsurfer63]

What is sadder is that we don't have centers like this for at risk & survivor girls and women in the US.

Why isn't this film & others like is mandatory in our elementary schools? Even if it were, There is no place for these girls & women go here in the US either.

HUGE hugs to Betty Makone in Zimbabwe, the creator of this center for these girls, and the US survivor & maker of this film, Michealene Cristini Risley.

Betty gives these girls a voice about their rape experience & what.

[Ap9Blue]

God Bless the people that help children like this, its a crime what happens to these innocent children. Why isn't anyone helping them out! and how can we make any contribution? may God keep sending Angels to these girls.

[dramagrl97]

my religion teacher showed this to us and its unbelievable. must see! makes you appreciate what you have

[vanslykemelissa]

just chillin'



[zpeponi]

young boys dont have time to get raped... they are being killed in age of 10 at several wars...

[sunday4576]

Oh wow, this just breaks my heart :(

[windchimex]

BlackTreeMedia! Thank You, you are amazing!