Showered and Dressed (2017)

The first time I met another survivor of the courts made me want to document it. Anyone who has faced their attacker in court will understand, it is a shaming experience. Being able to talk about it with another person who understood the experience was more than empowering. It was freeing. It acknowledged the impact I’d been holding for so long. It felt like I could finally “breathe out”.

Most women do not survive it.

It changes you. You’ll never be the same ever again. I’m only now coming to terms with it.

The other survivor and I both recorded it anonymously but then I asked them permission if I could create a film from it. They agreed. I asked my dance tutor if she might dance in a film I’d direct. She also agreed. I put a call out for a male actor who would be interested in coming on board a film that I’d only know what I’d be making when I meet them there and then. From that moment forth, the film was created. Both performers had never met each other before and the chemistry and performance that spilled out was beautiful, and raw, sparkling and radiant. Heartbreaking and raw.

I can thoroughly recommend both performers, Tuft and Shields, they were incredibly generous, and wonderful to direct and work with.