Sundance 2009: "Rough Aunties" Review - Written by Mathius Mack Gertz

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Rough Aunties
United Kingdom, 2008, 104min., color
Zulu with English subtitles
Genre: Documentary
Director: Kim Longinotto
Executive Producer: Peter Dale
Producers: Teddy Leifer, Paul Taylor
Associate Producer: Rebecca Lloyd-Evans
Editor: Ollie Hudleston
Sound: Mary Milton
Website: www.roughaunties.com


Jackie, Mildred, Eureka and Thuli are the women behind Bobbi Bear, a nonprofit organization based in Durban, South Africa, that counsels sexually abused children and works to bring their abusers to justice. Born out of recognition of cultural stigmas that discourage reporting abuse and inadequate methods of communicating with young victims, Bobbi Bear developed a method of letting children use teddy bears to explain their abuse. Since 1992, the multiracial staff has become the fearless and powerful voice for those victims who would otherwise continue to live in fear, powerless against their oppressors and ignored by the legal system.

The subject matter of this non-fiction film is powerful and well done. No less fascinating is the relationship between the Zulu and Afrikaner women of Bobbi Bear. United in their anger and pain, they transcend cultural differences to do a hard and necessary job. There is much to compare culturally with communication styles between women in the United States. Stoic Black women who have been taught to be tough and suppress their feelings, and by connection their voice, compared to white women taught to relate to emotions and take every opportunity to share their feelings. The journey these women take together is both painful and hopeful as they strive for empowerment for their young victims and themselves. Compelling non-fiction story telling. Very well crafted. Four Stars.