April marks Sexual Violence Awareness Month in the US/UK, and Rape Crisis England & Wales are proud to be partnering with Together Films, to support the launch of a new film: AN ARMY OF WOMEN.
This powerful documentary will be screened in cinemas throughout England & Wales in April 2025 and we hope that it will spark conversations about how and why our justice systems are letting survivors of rape and sexual abuse down so badly, and the power of collective action to change it.
The film
When Amy, Marina and Hanna’s rape cases are dismissed by the Austin police, they join forces with twelve other women in a groundbreaking federal class-action lawsuit, the first to argue that sexual assault isn’t prosecuted because it’s a crime that predominantly affects women.
The group is determined to hold police and prosecutors accountable for their inaction, but their resilience is tested as they face setbacks from the system they hope to change.
The documentary raises important questions that demand urgent answers, about why our justice systems allow rape to go unpunished, and how collective action and mutual support might be catalysts for change.
Partnership with Rape Crisis England & Wales
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the official impact partner for the film, enabling us to highlight the profound systemic injustices faced by victims and survivors in England and Wales and to invite the public to join a growing movement of those aiming to end rape and ensure survivors receive the suppor they need.
Join us for screenings + Q&A with director Julie Lunde Lillesæter, and representatives from the Rape Crisis movement
Wed 23 April – Finsbury Park Picturehouse, London
Thu 24 April – Watershed, Bristol + Q&A with SARSAS
Thu 24 April – Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
From Fri 25 April - National Science and Media Museum, Bradford
From Fri 25 April – Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle
Sun 27 April – Depot, Lewes + Q&A with Survivors Network
From Mon 28 April – Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
Mon 28 April – Arts Picturehouse, Cambridge + Q&A with Cambridge Rape Crisis
Wed 30 April – FACT, Liverpool
The film is presented with descriptive subtitles.
Ciara Bergman, CEO for Rape Crisis England & Wales commented:
“Rape Crisis England & Wales are proud to be an impact partner for An Army of Women. This poignant and important film encapsulates so much of what is wrong with the criminal justice system for victims and survivors the world over, and is as much a comment on criminal justice failings, as it is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the women who fought for their stories to be heard.
We meet women like the ones in this film every day through our work, and although an ocean divides us, our struggles unite us. Last year, fewer than 3 in 100 reports of rape resulted in someone being charged in England & Wales, let alone convicted. And of the cases that go to trial, the average wait time is currently two years, with many cases being postponed – indefinitely – at a moment’s notice.
Ending rape requires perpetrators to be held to account for their behaviour, and a criminal justice system that recognises rather than retraumatises survivors. We hope that this film shines a much-needed light on the issues undermining our justice system, and harming rape survivors, at present, and the changes that we urgently require.
Rape is not – and will never be – inevitable. By highlighting the power of activism, solidarity and collective voice, An Army of Women offers a powerful message of hope and solidarity to us all.”