Rape for Who I Am

This documentary reflects the voices of African lesbians, who have decided to fight for their freedom, to spread awareness and to devote themselves to charitable activities aimed at defending their sexual orientation in a homophobic society and interceding strongly against the constant violence committed against local women. Rape in this part of the world is often seen as punishment for lesbian tendencies or even as a way of "curing" this different orientation. This film's message is just as emphatic as the revolutionary mottos demanding basic human rights in the opening sequence, which is complemented by rhythmic drumbeats and dynamic images of a pulsating city. This energy is then alternated with raw detailed studies of women's faces and their intimate, deeply personal stories. This film challenges people to assert themselves in life and to make their own choices. It provides evidence of the possibility of fighting against any kind of injustice or prejudice and offers an example of how negative experiences can be remoulded to produce positive outcomes, which can show the way forward for many others who have been humiliated and degraded.