The trailer for “Tapestries of Hope,” a feature-length documentary that exposes the myth behind the abuse of young girls in Zimbabwe, is well worth your sub-three minutes. It shows filmmaker Michealene Cristini Risley’s sojourn to Africa as she investigates longstanding myths about the power of virgin blood and the work of the Girl Child Network:
Since 2000, Zimbabwe has been in the midst of a complete political devolution, with rape as the predominant form of punishment. It is also a leading country in misinforming men of how to rid themselves of the HIV/AIDS virus. Last year, [the] local NGO recorded 4,146 cases of sexual abuse against children in its area of operation alone.
Han Pham of Young Women Social Entrepreneurs tipped me off to the project and Risley’s interactions with network founder Betty Makoni, and I’m excited–hesitantly given the subject matter, but eagerly for its importance–for the full length version.
For a number of reasons I feel very proud for this brave work of Michealene.
The trailer alone is enough to move me to tears. Very powerful. I’d like to help publicise in my magazine…please email some details through.