After #MeToo broke the cultural silence on gendered violence, survivors swiftly found themselves facing a new kind of silencing and fear as defamation laws became weaponized against women for speaking out.
International human rights lawyer Jennifer Robinson takes audiences into the courtroom and behind the headlines to reveal how the legal system is being used to discredit, re-victimize and financially ruin survivors.
Robinson brings unrivalled access to the women and journalists at the centre of high-profile legal battles across the globe, including Brittany Higgins, Australian former political staffer, survivor and advocate against gendered violence; Catalina Ruiz-Navarro, Latin American journalist and co-founder of the feminist magazine Volcánicas and Amber Heard, Hollywood actor and advocate who found herself at the centre of the most high-profile defamation battle in the post-#MeToo era.
From International Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Selina Miles and Blayke Hoffman, SILENCED is a powerful, emotional and urgent documentary that challenges the devastating flaws maintaining the status quo within the justice system.
Director: Selina Miles
Producer: Blayke Hoffman
Executive Producer: Jennifer Peedom, Sarah Noonan, Jo-anne Mcgowan, Malinda Wink, Shaun Richards, Jennifer Robinson
Partners: Screen Australia, Screen New South Wales, Minderoo Foundation, Shark Island Institute, Sharmill Films
Cinematographer: Michael Latham
Film Editor: Bernadette Murray
Music: Chiara Costanza
“Amber Heard Returns in Sundance Doc About Women Silenced by Defamation Suits, Recalls Johnny Depp Trial: ‘I Didn’t Understand It Could Get So Much Worse For Me'” – Variety
“Sundance Doc ‘Silenced’ Tackles the Weaponization of Defamation Cases in the Post-MeToo Era” – The Hollywood Reporter
“An essential, galvanising watch” – Screen Daily
Selina Miles is an Australian director with a global reputation. Selina’s debut feature film, MARTHA: A PICTURE STORY premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and received critical acclaim, winning numerous awards.
Selina’s second feature documentary, HARLEY & KATYA won an International Emmy Award and was released globally on Netflix.
Selina’s work includes award-winning music videos for artists like Barkaa, The Hilltop Hoods, and UK pop star Anne Marie. Her dedication to social justice saw her volunteer in Uganda in 2023, documenting the work of the nonprofit organization Operation International. The resulting short film, SAVING FACE, premiered at Sydney’s Flickerfest.
“Amber Heard Returns in Sundance Doc About Women Silenced by Defamation Suits, Recalls Johnny Depp Trial: ‘I Didn’t Understand It Could Get So Much Worse For Me'” – Variety
“Sundance Doc ‘Silenced’ Tackles the Weaponization of Defamation Cases in the Post-MeToo Era” – The Hollywood Reporter
“An essential, galvanising watch” – Screen Daily
“10 Standout Indie Movies to Watch for this Year” – The Atlantic
“Striking and vital” – Ms. Magazine
“Amber Heard Makes Rare Comments About Johnny Depp Trial, Explains Why ‘I Don’t Want to Use My Voice Anymore'” – People
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