Creating Consent Culture: Short Film Fund

What?

Alexis Hunley and Annabelle Freedman are leveraging funds to create a short film and music video that centers Survivors of sexual assault. This project is for and by queer femme survivors and aims to explore a specific and nuanced part of the power system.

Wolf unpacks how men* who have been accused of assault often have a similar rebuttal; "I couldn't possibly be guilty, look at my beautiful family," or "I'm in the most healthy relationship, just ask my girlfriend!" We’ve all heard this dangerous shield.

This tactic effectively pits Survivors against one another. It prioritizes the reputation of the accused over the emotional or physical well-being of their supposed loved ones. Their family and lovers become props. Wolf explores the twisted feeling that this response provokes in relationships between survivors. It depicts the fears that survivors face in private and with each other.

It also dreams of more. It goes on to explore how our connections enrich communities. It dares to weave a consent culture together through movent and words. It begs the question, "When will you learn to be brave?"

Why?

Now is the time to expand the conversation around this all-too-silenced topic. As women and trans folx are actively being stripped of our rights, our perspectives are increasingly needed. From the overturning of Roe v. Wade to virulent anti-trans legislation sweeping the country, it can all feel daunting.

Film is one of the most impactful forms of media. Unfortunately, it is an incredibly cis-white-male-dominated endeavor, particularly due to how costly it is to create. It is then no wonder Survivors' stories are so few and far between.

This project endeavors to add to the small but mighty lexicon with the narrative representation of stories that none of us have seen yet.

Mariame Kaba shares in her book, We Do This 'Til We Free Us, that, "Hope is a discipline." We will not see each thing we wish to see until we try, but with practice, it is possible to actualize.

Our project is an attempt to see that which has not been afforded us.

If you long to see it too, please join us.

How?

As tempting and valid as it may be, our film, Wolf, will not villainize the person accused. Instead, it centers Survivors and their relationships with one another as well as the feelings of dissociation, rage, fear, and betrayal. The entirety of the video is from the POV of the accused person. So we will not see him directly at any point. In this way, he cannot take up the space that the rest of the world seems to expand him into in moments of accusations. As our POV, he is invoked to look closer simultaneously with the viewer. He is made acutely aware of his gruesome impact as shown by survivors.

This parallels how accountability is most often achieved in the world beyond this video, as we know survivors are the people leading movements for accountability such as transformative justice.

In being called to account, he is given the gift of the belief that he can do better. While he may not be owed this (certainly from us) we are ditching the idea that accountability is punishment.

The truth is always a gift, however gruesome.

In addition to sharing the moving images of this reality through metaphorical visuals, we plan to create a section of the film in which there is a literal discussion among Survivors. While many Survivor-centered projects put survivors on trial by asking them to painstakingly reveal their traumatic stories, in this film, they will be prompted to discuss what safety and bliss feel like. Where do you find joy? How can we create spaces in which we are brave enough to offer each other repair?

Listen along with the song, Wolf, to answer these questions with us: https://song.link/us/i/1642480579

Who?

~ Alexis Hunley~

Co-director, Producer, Creative Strategist

Alexis Hunley, a director and photographer based in Los Angeles, California, crafts emotionally authentic visual narratives that embody the human experience. Hunley's art is a testament to the power of storytelling, encouraging audiences to delve into the depths of their own experiences. Her focus on underrepresented populations, including Black women and queer people of color, highlights her intention to create space for stories that are often overlooked. As a queer Black female artist navigating the creative industry, Hunley finds inspiration in her own intersecting identities, enabling her to approach her work with a distinctive perspective and a compassionate spirit.

~ Annabelle Freedman ~

Co-director, Music Artist, Writer, Producer

​Interdependent artist, Annabelle Freedman, wraps you in a blanket of warm stacked vocals and rich symphonic melodies. Based in Los Angeles, they were selected for NPR's top 5 tracks to soothe quarantine blues. They have been played by international DJs, and remain favored by reputable stations such as KCRW, Dublab, and Spotify playlists. Throughout their career, Annabelle has played the festivals SXSW, UMS, Broke LA, and Chinatown Summer Nights and venues including The El Rey, The Lodge Room, Regent Theater, The Echo, Bootleg Theater, Bottom of the Hill, Sister and more. They have toured San Francisco, Albuquerque, Denver, Barcelona, Nijmegen, and Berlin.

~ Briana Monet ~

Cinematographer, Story Producer

Writer, cinematographer, producer, artist, mentor, and business owner. Briana Monet, Washingtonian native, received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Miami International University. Currently, she is a Los Angeles based cinematographer who focuses on hyper color, high contrast, and experimental images. Briana's dogma style and color choices are a true reflection of her roots in experimental films, music videos, and documentary filmmaking.

~ Fanny Chu ~

Creative Director, Photographer

Fanny Chu is a photographer based in Los Angeles who shoots both digital and film. She specialized in fashion, editorial, and lifestyle.

Her creative personality, unique style and attention to detail allows her to shine as a professional photographer. For Fanny, it is all about making connections with people to create beautiful and artistic portraits. She enjoys working with clients of all ages and backgrounds.

Cost Breakdown:

Wolf is an entirely self-funded project. This fundraiser is set up to assist with costs of gear rentals, crew and talent payment, location rentals, wardrobe, set design, props, crafty, editing, coloring, festival submission fees, venue rental for the screening, travel expenses, and video promotion.

If you're not able to donate at this time, please consider sharing the link!

With gratitude and solidarity,

Annabelle and Alexis

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*In this video, we are exploring a scenario in which the abuser is a cis-male. While all genders are capable of abuse, only cis-men have the social position to leverage these harmful defense tactics when accused.