Premiering WOMAN RISING at the Rhode Island International Film Festival
This year, I had the immense privilege of premiering my film, WOMAN RISING, at the prestigious Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF). As one of the top film festivals in the country, RIIFF celebrates powerful, meaningful storytelling, and I couldn’t think of a better venue to introduce WOMAN RISING to a wider audience. The film, which has been a labor of love and dedication, sheds light on the resilient women and girls who have survived human trafficking and are reclaiming their lives.
When I set out to create WOMAN RISING, my vision was to bring awareness to the harsh realities of trafficking but also to emphasize the strength, courage, and hope of survivors. I wanted to give a voice to the voiceless, to share their stories with the world in an authentic and compassionate way. RIIFF, with its reputation for supporting independent filmmakers and human rights-focused narratives, felt like the perfect stage for this film's premiere.
Arriving in Providence, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nerves. As a photographer and filmmaker, I’ve always believed in the power of visuals to convey the most profound stories. Yet, seeing WOMAN RISING on the big screen, surrounded by other filmmakers, advocates, and film enthusiasts, brought a new level of realization to the journey I've been on.
The premiere itself was a moving experience. The theater was filled with anticipation as the opening scenes began to unfold. Watching the audience react to the stories of survival, strength, and renewal left me deeply moved. The applause at the end of the screening was overwhelming, but what stood out to me most were the conversations that followed. Audience members shared their thoughts, emotions, and personal connections to the issue of human trafficking. Many expressed how the film had opened their eyes to the gravity of the problem while also instilling a sense of hope that change is possible.
One of the most memorable moments from the festival was the Q&A session after the screening. Engaging directly with the audience allowed me to dive deeper into the stories behind the film and discuss the collaborative process that went into making WOMAN RISING. The film’s message of empowerment resonated strongly, and the discussion illuminated the need for continued efforts in advocacy, policy change, and survivor support.
Watch the trailer here!
Premiering WOMAN RISING at RIIFF was a significant milestone, but it’s also just the beginning. The film is a call to action, urging viewers to become more informed and involved in the fight against human trafficking. I’m incredibly grateful to the Rhode Island International Film Festival for providing a platform to amplify these crucial stories and to everyone who attended the premiere for their heartfelt support.
As WOMAN RISING continues its festival journey, my hope is that it reaches and inspires audiences across the world. Together, we can make a difference by raising awareness, shifting perceptions, and standing in solidarity with survivors as they reclaim their lives.
Thank you, Rhode Island, for embracing WOMAN RISING and for being part of this important conversation. I’m excited to see where this journey will take us next.
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