A SILENT movie produced by a group of women transitioning from abusive relationships is one of the highlights of a busy programme of events to mark International Women’s Day in Limerick.
While Friday, March 8 is the date set aside for the annual celebration of women’s rights, the Limerick produced film ‘Free’ will be screened on a loop from March 4 to 15.
The project is the work of six women, all clients of ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, who came together as members of ‘The Road to Recovery’ support group to write, produce and shoot the film. Cast and crew consisted of 21 people; with extras coming from the Southill Drama Community Group.
‘Free’s continual run is parallel to the 24/7, 365 day support extended to such women, and their children, by ADAPT.
The charity has structured a talk by training and development co-ordinator Jess Angland; there will be a testimonial and Q&A session at The Hub in the Limerick City Gallery of Art (LCGA), Pery Square on Thursday, March 7.
Limerick woman Fiona Mills has a role in ‘Free’ that mirrors her own as a wife subject to abusive behaviour.
“Those tears on screen, when you see her eyes bruised and she slides down the wall, those tears are real. They are mine. You see no violence – it was very important to us not to show the violence.”
“We will have an information pamphlet from AMEN, the only fully male support group in Ireland dealing with the male side of domestic violence,” says Fiona.
“We can show domestic violence as the universal issue in our society that it is, having no colour, class or creed or gender.”
Adding to the connection is the fact that Fiona’s son Graeme Mills wrote the score ‘Through a Child’s Eyes’ which is performed by his daughter Zita.
A fellow film-maker, who chooses to remain anonymous for the sake of her children, says that her connection with ADAPT began when she was put in touch with the group by a solicitor.
“Such was the abuse in my marriage I did not even realise I was a victim of domestic abuse.”
She makes the point that her husband never hit her. Control was financial and bullying.
“They get you so dependent, and there was no where to go. I had my children. I didn’t know about ADAPT.”
“As survivors of domestic violence it was important for us to portray how lonely and helpless a person can feel in an abusive relationship.”
With ADAPT combining educational, legal, therapeutic, housing and financial assistance, it is the around the clock availability of a trained support worker that Fiona and her colleague valued most in moving forward.
Limerick Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) course leader Karen Fitzgibbon, who works with ADAPT, had suggested that the women’s group make a film as a course project.
There’s an accompanying play that is still an ongoing creative process, acting as a supportive piece with ‘Free’.
‘Free’ is intended for the festival documentary circuit as a fundraiser and to raise awareness. Catch it at the LCGA on Thursday, March 7 at 6 pm and join in #BuildingResilience.
The Indiegogo fundraising page is at http://bit.ly/Freefilm
