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Rape for Who I Am 2006

Recommended

Distributed by Cinema Guild, 115 West 30th Street, Suite 800, New York, NY 10001; 212-685-6242
Producer n/a
Directed by Lovinsa Kavuma
DVD, color, 27 min.



Sr. High - Adult
African Studies, Gay and Lesbian Studies, Human Rights

Date Entered: 01/09/2007

Reviewed by Nicole Cooke, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ

Every twenty-nine seconds a woman is raped in South Africa.

And so begins a brief, but powerful film about African lesbians, living not only with their sexuality, but AIDS and the real fear of being raped strictly because of their sexual orientation and because they "want to be men." Raped by both heterosexual and gay men, by strangers and family members, often with objects, African lesbians are literally in fear for their lives because they are specifically targeted and abused. Lesbianism is considered a great sin, and lesbians "deserve" to be raped, punished and killed because of their transgressions. Equally disturbing is the fact that many lesbians encounter extreme abuse and violence at the hands of their partners and other lesbians; as it is explained in the film, the violence is expected and is how they know they are loved.

The film profiles several young African lesbians, some who are feminine and some of whom are "butch." Each has a compelling story to tell, most are living with AIDS, some have children, and all have a spirit of hope which allows them to carry on and be proud of their individuality.

Rape for Who I Am, is recommended for its strong message and for its professional delivery and production quality. Best suited for academic and school libraries, the film could also be useful in public libraries, and could be used within a variety of curricula.

Awards:

  • Official Selection, Sundance Film Festival, 2006
  • Winner, Audience Award, Commonwealth Film Festival, 2006
  • Winner, Best Short Film, Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, 2006
  • Winner, Best Documentary, Hollyshorts Film Festival, 2006
  • Official Selection, Frameline International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, 2006
  • Official Selection, NewFest, New York, 2006
  • Official Selection, Barcelona International Women's Film festival, 2006
  • Official Selection, London International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, 2006
  • Official Selection, South African International Documentary Festival, 2006