A young British-Iranian woman, Shadi, fights to regain control of her sexual assault case after it is dropped by the justice system. This forces her to question the worth of revisiting the past in hope of a conviction, despite the strain this puts on her closest relationships.
Synopsis
Shadi, 2018. Dir Kirsty McLean
At a CPS meeting Shadi is informed that her sexual assault case is being dropped due to a witness retracting their statement and insufficient evidence.
Shadi travels across London to find her oldest friend and witness to the crime, Ateneh. Set during the Iranian New Year celebrations, Shadi feels isolated from her community as well as gentrified London.
When Shadi finally faces the witness and their family, all her original assumptions are broken down.
TRAILER
Background
In 2018 the Office for National Statistics claimed the scale of sexual assaults against women 'had changed little since 2005'.
The Crown Prosecution Service Data shows a drop of 23.1% of sexual assault prosecutions from 2016/17. So despite more young people finding the strength to speak up, the hard facts show our judicial system is actually regressing and failing victims everyday.
When our crew began working on our first short ‘Sylvie’, we realised we all knew someone or had ourselves been directly affected by sexual assault. We invested in creating a trilogy of shorts on ‘aftermath’ in young women’s lives. Deciding to voice our stories, our friends and many people we know through cinematic narrative. The honesty and realism of these stories come from the intimacy and immediacy of our own experiences.
Shadi came to us when writer, Ava Cheragi, wanted to write and represent herself and her friend’s identities as young Iranian-Brits in London. Shadi’s story challenges stereotype and celebrates an under-acknowledged British identity.
Setting the film during Iranian New Year is significant in its connotations with renewal, a feeling that Shadi is desperately seeking but cannot achieve. She is trapped by the decision-making of others - those responsible for the assault, the justice system, even her loved ones. This is an issue many victims face. Court cases can take years and never reach trial, for reasons ranging from under-resourced CPS investigations, the pressure on legal teams to drop cases and also from survivors withdrawing their statement out of fear or the distress caused by the process.
We believe this film will contribute to continue an ongoing, and much needed, conversation about equal rights to protection and support which are currently lacking within our justice system.
Shadi, 2018. Dir Kirsty McLean
Shadi, 2018. Dir Kirsty McLean
Cast & Crew
Kirsty McLean - Director
Kirsty moved to London at 19 to pursue filmmaking. Graduating from University of the Arts London, she focused on female representation in World Cinema and practically exploring her direction in the female gaze. She focuses on events happening to women her age, as a young female director the contemporariness of Kirsty’s work seeks to capture an authenticity and energy of youth.
Hannah Adey - Producer
Hannah studied English Literature at the University of Exeter, where she produced and directed content for student TV station XTV and marketing videos for Raise and Give, the fundraising society. After securing Development internships and varied on-set experience, she now works full-time at the British Film Institute - the lead body for film in the UK.
Ava Cheraghi - Writer
Ava left Tehran for Britain as an infant. She traveled by boat with her mother, her father joining at a later date. Her family was moved around frequently, living in Glasgow, Newcastle and others cities before residing in west London.
Growing up with a fascination for the BBC and Iranian television drama’s, Ava decided to practice screenwriting. Since this decision she has graduated with a first degree honours from UAL. Also worked as a production manager for many companies.
She is now considering a masters in journalism and research, to continue her interest in human stories
Carmen Pellon - Cinematographer
Born and raised in Barcelona, Carmen moved to London in 2013 to study Film and TV at London College of Communication. She graduated 2 years ago and she is now pursuing her career as a Cinematographer, shooting short films, music videos and experimental films. At the same time she works as a camera assistant and lighting technician.
Kyle Waters - Editor
Kyle comes from a documentary cutting background, working for broadcasters including BBC, All4 and Channel 5. Recently his work has moved into film and high-end TV drama, working for The Barbican, Working Title and Amazon.
Storytelling is at the forefront of his work, pushing it creatively to engage and connect a wider audience with strong and often hard subject matters.
Currently he is working on a video installation for Historic Royal Palaces, a 4-part ITV drama and short films.
Shars MAESTRI - ACTRESS
Shars was raised in greater London and has been acting for many years. Dedicating her time and talent to improvisation and toning her craft. She is drawn to roles which take on strong concepts and raise awareness to social issues. Working on a variety of projects from music videos, shorts and adverts.
Contact Us
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Two scenes have already been filmed.
You can help us complete the project by donating through the Indiegogo link below or sharing on social media.