Research into violence against children has shown that a child has to ask, on average, seven times for help before someone listens
By Valerie Milano
Phoenix, AZ (The Hollywood Times) 5/2/24 – 7 Fois, a quietly impactful short film, boldly confronts the stark realities of child abuse, placing them at the forefront of the narrative as the poignant story of young Elio unfolds. In a world where neglect can often go unnoticed and unchecked, the film sheds light on the ways in which humans miss the tell-tale signs of abuse.
Under the masterful direction of Christine Wiederkehr, 7 Fois serves as a poignant testimony to the silent devastation wrought by abuse, urging viewers to recognize the signs and take action when confronted with suspected abuse.
When children experience unfortunate abuse, much can remain unheard or misunderstood by the adults in their lives. This shared experience was skillfully portrayed in the film.
“One of the cruelest things that happens in abuse, whether the person is a child or an adult, is the isolation,” Wiederkehr said, adding “You are living things that you cannot share with others – first you aren’t allowed to share it, later you may feel ashamed to share it, which ultimately feels very lonely.
“I was researching ways I could translate this in film to create this feeling of isolation. I liked the idea of being behind a glass because you can see each other but since the boy is behind the glass and we can’t hear him, he is silenced. “
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The deafening silence of abuse victims often results from being robbed of their voice by manipulative abusersm Wiederkehr said. “One of the worst and most common ways to abuse a child is to manipulate them” she said. “Elio is not really realizing what is happening to him; he thinks it’s love. I wanted to tell a story from the point of view of a child who thinks what is happening to him is love. How can a child know the difference between love and abuse? It’s normal at his age to not really know what’s going on, the boy feels appreciated, he feels special; he believes this teacher is really offering him a lot of attention. It doesn’t mean that Elio isn’t depressed presently; the consequences of abuse often come later as we grow older.”
Through her masterful direction, Wiederkehr brings to light the devastating impact of manipulation and isolation, portraying a reality where abuse masquerades as love. As the film delicately navigates the blurred lines between affection and harm, it prompts viewers to confront their perceptions and recognize the subtle yet profound indicators of abuse. Wiederkehr’s portrayal of Elio’s experience serves as a compelling call to action, urging audiences to break the cycle of silence and intervene when faced with suspicions of abuse. 7 Fois serves not only as a cinematic testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also as a powerful catalyst for change in the ongoing fight against child abuse.
