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We Are Survivors (and We Are 15!)

05.02.24 | Blog

Today we celebrate our 15th Birthday with a series of brand new animation films, focused on male survivors voices.

Over the last 15 years, we have bore witness to thousands of male survivors telling their stories of abuse, pain, loss and grief; whilst at the same time have also seen those very same men find an inner strength to step on their healing journey and be the incredible individuals that they are.

Hear Our Voice, See Our Words is 15 Day Season of animated films that have been curated by Grahame and Theo from the Communications & Public Engagement Team with support from our Chief Executive Officer, Duncan; and produced and created by Shahrokh Nael from Orange Attic Films.

The team at We Are Survivors spent time looking through the many many pieces of creative writing that have been created and given to us over the years and chose a number of examples, whilst also inviting survivors who are currently using the service to be part of the project too.

Once the text had been chosen, the team set about recording survivors and survivor allies reading the chosen words, and the audio file was then handed to Shahrokh to begin the artistic process of creating the animation.

Shahrokh is a visual artist in the world of independent filmmaking. His body of work stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.

With a keen eye for detail and a unique storytelling sensibility, Shahrokh crafts narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. He fearlessly tackles unconventional subjects and brings them to life in a way that challenges preconceived notions. One of Shahrokh’s notable merits is his ability to give voice to underrepresented perspectives. He champions stories that might otherwise go untold, shedding light on the experiences of marginalized communities. This dedication to inclusivity and diversity is a cornerstone of his artistic vision.

Moreover, Shahrokh’s work is characterised by a mastery of visual storytelling techniques. His films are not only a feast for the eyes but also a testament to his ability to evoke powerful emotions through imagery and composition.

Following a number of meetings, discussions and hours of conversation about the survivors words, Shahrokh began the task of creating imagery that complimented the spoken word.

The process Shahrokh and the We Are Survivors team underwent was both collaborative and rich in ideas, meaning that the finished films are presented with such love and care.

We are incredibly grateful to Shahrokh for handling the stories with such care and attention; and are eternally grateful to the survivors for trusting us with their words.

To view the films, please click here: 15 Films for 15 Years

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