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Synopsis
Through the riveting stories of domestic violence survivors,
A Bird Flies Like Birds explores the cyclical
nature of violent trauma and the possibility of grace. The film draws
its inspiration from a poem about seeing things directly, exactly as they
are. Poetic imagery and narration draw the viewer from the outward reality
of these stories to an inward one, giving voice to the ebb and flow of
the shattered self fumbling toward wholeness.
Bird’s
ultimate concern is this: given trauma’s stubborn and paradoxical
narrative, is it possible to interrupt the cycle of violence within oneself?
The
Need
The need for
an unblinking exploration of domestic violence and trauma is clear:
- According
to Charlotte Bunch, “Gender violence is the most pervasive and
insidious human rights abuse in the world. If
any other group were so systematically tortured, battered, and killed,
society would declare a civil emergency.”
- In 1985
US surgeon general C Everett Koop declared domestic violence the
most pressing public health crisis of the decade.
- In 2002
a World Health Organization study found that up to 70%
of female murder victims were killed by their partners
or former partners.
- Approximately
95% of the victims of domestic violence
are women. Statistics, National Clearinghouse
for the Defense of Battered Women, Ruth Peachey, M.D. 1988.
- Fifty
percent of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing
domestic violence. Senator Joseph Biden, U.S.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Violence Against Women: Victims of
the System, 1991
- “The
most chilling conclusion of a recent report from UNICEF is that to
be born a woman is to be born at risk. Violence
against women and girls is now so deeply embedded in all cultures, and
that violence is today the
most pervasive form of abuse against human rights in the world.”
International Herald Tribune, August 7, 1997
Project
Status
The National
Endowment for the Arts has generously awarded filmmaker Elizabeth Thompson
a $25,000 research and development grant. Thompson is now seeking individual
donations to support Bird’s production
and post production.
Stand
Up and Be Counted!
Please join our efforts to create a film that inspires
introspection and community action to end violence against women. Select
the “Donate”
button to offer a tax-deductible donation. Thank you! |
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