Of survivors of rape and sexual assault - both real and fictitious - how many have the chance to tell their aggressors how they truly feel?When folding a paper crane, you start with a flat piece of paper. Through intricate folds and gentle movements, something balanced and beautiful emerges. Our film, Paper Crane, is about a girl for whom the devastation of rape has lingered, dominating her daily life. Struggling to overcome her trauma, she uses origami as an outlet to quell her anxiety and sadness. At her college graduation ceremony, she unexpectedly meets the fellow student who raped her years earlier. After deciding she must confront him, they meet in a café where the conversation they have changes both of their lives.
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From the Director...
It has been said that rape is the crime that does not discriminate.
In my last year at NYU, I spent each Friday morning teaching health education workshops to high school freshmen in New York City's public schools. My specialization was Rape and Sexual Assault awareness. I was amazed to find that, even at such a young age, these students had strong attitudes about rape based on what they had seen in the media. Teenagers in our contemporary culture are growing up with a prevailing ignorance about their own sexuality. Yet they are bombarded with increasingly sexual imagery and the idea that aggression is "sexy." My students insisted that these images were "no big deal."
Every year, people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds are victims of sexual violence. To me, that is a big deal.
Indeed, sexual aggression and the violent act of rape are often graphically depicted in the media. However, the more emotional, long-term repercussions are generally overlooked. Paper Crane is a unique story that needs to be told. It explores the psychologically complex and emotionally nuanced drama that results when a survivor finally confronts her aggressor. Relevant for men and women of all ages, this film can offer survivors of sexual assault hope that they too may find peace with the violence committed against them and inspire a more open dialogue about these crimes.
Thank you so much for your interest and support in this challenging endeavor!
-Christine Sciortino; Writer/ Director
In my last year at NYU, I spent each Friday morning teaching health education workshops to high school freshmen in New York City's public schools. My specialization was Rape and Sexual Assault awareness. I was amazed to find that, even at such a young age, these students had strong attitudes about rape based on what they had seen in the media. Teenagers in our contemporary culture are growing up with a prevailing ignorance about their own sexuality. Yet they are bombarded with increasingly sexual imagery and the idea that aggression is "sexy." My students insisted that these images were "no big deal."
Every year, people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds are victims of sexual violence. To me, that is a big deal.
Indeed, sexual aggression and the violent act of rape are often graphically depicted in the media. However, the more emotional, long-term repercussions are generally overlooked. Paper Crane is a unique story that needs to be told. It explores the psychologically complex and emotionally nuanced drama that results when a survivor finally confronts her aggressor. Relevant for men and women of all ages, this film can offer survivors of sexual assault hope that they too may find peace with the violence committed against them and inspire a more open dialogue about these crimes.
Thank you so much for your interest and support in this challenging endeavor!
-Christine Sciortino; Writer/ Director
Project Info |
Length: 10 minutes
Status: Released Shooting Location: New York, NY Post-Production Location: Chicago, IL Shooting Format: Digital HD, RED-Scarlet X |