Impact Screening: From the Shadows
Produced and Directed by Miriam Chandy Menacherry
SStraight Circles Foundation first screened the award-winning documentary “From The Shadows” by Miriam Chandy Menacherry at the SamaBhav International Film Festival in Chennai in 2023. This powerful film sheds light on the disturbing reality of sex trafficking in India and across borders in Nepal and Bangladesh. Despite existing laws like PoCSO, the prevalence of trafficking highlights the urgent need for systemic change.
The impact screening of From the Shadows aims to:
- Expose and Mitigate the Role of Middlemen: The film reveals how middlemen, disguised as marriage brokers or job providers, entrap young girls, disrupting their education and trapping them in cycles of dependency.
- Embrace Survivors: It’s crucial that our efforts go beyond prevention and rescue to include embracing survivors, helping them share their stories without stigma or shame.
- Engage Key Stakeholders: We involve the Border Security Force, Police, and judiciary in community-based interventions, drawing on inspiring stories to drive change.
- Empower Youth: The film shares testimonies of young people making a difference in their communities, encouraging more youth to become agents of change.
- Advocate for Justice: We use the film to spark discussions with government and NGOs about the slow justice system and to lobby for stronger survivor protection.
This year, with support from Presidency College and Stella Maris College in Chennai, we reached over 700 students, raising awareness and inspiring action. We are committed to ensuring this film reaches as many people as possible, driving meaningful conversations and change.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Miriam and the entire team of “From The Shadows” for their relentless dedication to this cause. We wish you continued success in bringing this critical issue to light.
Some glimpses from the screenings
