An Army of Women

An Army of Women

A film by Julie Lunde Lillesaeter

A group of women in Austin, Texas join forces and help build a movement of plaintiffs legally challenging the system that allowed their rapists to walk free. An Army of Women is the landmark story of women fighting to hold law enforcement accountable, with resounding relevance worldwide.

Director and Producer: Julie Lunde Lillesæter 

Producers: Natalya Sarch, Arne Dahr

Co-Producers: Jessica Wolfson, Maria Willer, Bernhard von Hülsen

Executive Producer: Julia Dahr

Protagonists: Marina, Hanna, Jenny, Elizabeth, “Amy”

“An Army of Women interrogates what it means to “win” in a political landscape that continues to question (and, in Texas) withhold women’s agency over their own bodies.”
HARPER’S BAZAAR, Abigail Glasglow

“It’s an impactful documentary that empowers women and reflects how dedication and advocacy in numbers can move mountains.”…
“It’s an empowering watch that sheds a devastating light on a vast amount of rape cases disregarded by various members of law enforcement”
LOUD AND CLEAR REVIEWS, Emma Vine

A group of women in Austin, Texas join forces and help build a movement of plaintiffs legally challenging the system that allowed their rapists to walk free. An Army of Women is the landmark story of women fighting to hold law enforcement accountable, with resounding relevance worldwide. When Amy, Marina and Hanna’s rape cases are dismissed by the Austin police, all three women try to find a way to rebuild their lives. They join forces with twelve other women in a ground-breaking 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. Ultimately, AN ARMY OF WOMEN offers a hopeful look into a movement that aims to change the future for women everywhere.

Julie Lunde Lillesaeter

As director and cinematographer, Julie combines a strong visual eye with a commitment to social change. Her films explore themes such as women’s rights & equality, migration, and the climate crisis, and her documentaries have been broadcast on Al Jazeera English, NRK, and The Atlantic. Julie’s cinematography on the documentary feature THANK YOU FOR THE RAIN (2017) has landed her multiple awards, including a WIFTV award for Best Cinematography. In 2018, she was named Norwegian Video Journalist of the Year, and in 2020, she was listed on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list. Julie is currently working on two feature documentaries, AN ARMY OF WOMEN and STAYERS.

“Julie Lunde Lillesæter created a powerful narrative about what it means for a sexual assault victim to rebuild their life after being told their case “isn’t strong enough”.
– CULTUREMAP AUSTIN, Amber Heckler

“Each face is distinctive from the next; the women come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and different age groups, reminding the audience that no woman is protected.”.
– OFFRADAR, Katie Karp

“An Army of Women is a timely tale of resistance, inner strength, and fortitude. It is a heartwarming, uplifting film that scares you in its first act.”
FILM THREAT, Benjamin Franz

“With female civil liberties being rescinded through the overturn of Roe v. Wade, fighting for our rights through word of mouth and documentaries like this is more vital now than ever.”
JOSH AT THE MOVIES, Alison Brown

“The City of Austin and the Travis County DA’s Department have had a track record of mishandling sexual assault cases, leading a group of survivors to sue both entities as a means to enact change. A powerful documentary.”
MOVIE BEARS PODCAST, William Lindus

“The crowd gave a standing ovation after the #SXSW premiere of “An Army of Women” Friday afternoon.”
SPECTRUM NEWS 1, Douglas Develon

“It is a powerful film and I know this should be seen far and wide.“
TRUE VIEW REVIEWS, Liz Lopez

“An Army of Women is not just a documentary about a lawsuit; it’s about the human cost of systemic injustice.”
AUSTIN CHRONICLE, Alejandra Martinez

“Julie Lunde Lillesæter shines a light on the women who made Austin a better place for rape survivors”
AUSTIN CHRONICLE, Sarah Marloff

“The heartbeat of An Army of Women is the subjects themselves. Their passion and determination are inspiring and symbolize unwavering hope and resilience for all survivors. Director Julie Lunde Lillesæter allows the women to tell their harrowing stories without judgment.”
MR WILL WONG, Amanda Gilmore

“AN ARMY OF WOMEN is a fearless and inspiring documentary from up-and-coming director Julie Lunde Lillesæter…
If this film inspires one woman to step forward and fight back, it has achieved everything. With fundamental rights being stripped by the hour, Julie Lunde Lillesæter gives us hope and inspiration for change.”
REEL NEWS DAILY, Liz Whittemore 

“An Army of Women tells the inspiring, rousing story of just one small step in a movement where women are doing their part to change the world.”
SCREEN ZEALOTS, Louisa Moore

“It is an inspiring watch and guaranteed to get the blood boiling for anyone who hungers to see righteousness win.”
– SCREEN COMMENT, Eric Althoff

“The film carries with it a profound sense of necessary justice and inspiration. An Army of Women is handled with sensitivity and care, providing a moving cinematic experience.”
– FILM INQUIRY, Kristy Strouse

Dallas International Film Festival 2024 – Special Jury Prize for Perseverance and Bravery

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