We promise, we will get back horror of the fictional variety, but we can't overstate the importance of what's going on in the film community right now. We want to see real change and we're doing what we can with the platform we have.
Thanks!
-Jen and Dawn
Normally this time of year, the worst thing your hosts have to deal with are festival schedules, lack of sleep, and the general brain fog that comes with spending entire days in darkened theaters watching films that will make your brain melt.
Not so this year.
If you've listened to our last podcast, you know what's going on so we won't recap here, but there have been a couple developments that we hope will spread the voices of those affected and eventually lead to real change in an industry that, under normal circumstances, we're proud to be a part of.
First: Katherine (Kat) Arnett, who was the critic who had her accusation dismissed and silenced by Time League, gave her final words on the matter on her blog (http://www.kissmyflash.com/). She's also opened her inbox there for other women who have been targeted by Faraci or the Alamo Drafthouse in any manner. She's started posting those stories. If you have one, you can reach her there.
Second: Kat also set us the following email (copied here with her permission):
Hello Wonderful Women,
I'm hoping that you'll help spread the word, on twitter or by talking to friends individually.
I've been contacted this morning that there are allegations against another film critic who at one time was very prominent.
While I have offered my blog for a space for any of Faraci's victims who felt the need to share, it's clear to me that this might be larger.
Please help me get the word out that Amy Zimmerman, who I spoke with for the Daily Beast, and who is absolutely willing to let women stay anonymous, would like to hear from anyone else who has been a victim of sexual assault by a film critic (or person of authority). Her email is amy.zimmerman@thedailybeast.com
This is especially urgent as Fantastic Fest happens this week and they are going to have forums to discuss sexual assault and harassment. If the issue is much larger, if it extends beyond Cinefamily & the Alamo, this is the week it needs to be amplified.
I know that it's terrifying to speak up. But I promise you it's been so cathartic. And knowing that real change has been made to some institutions that will benefit women has made it worth it.
If you could please let any women you know that they will be heard,
Thanks so much
Katherine
So, please if you are or know someone in the community who has been assaulted, targeted, stalked, harassed, etc., by a film critic or someone in the film community with power, pass this info on. There are people who want to hear your story. There are people who won't dismiss you. There are people who will believe you. People who will listen. People who will shine a light in the dark. People who want to make real change.
You are not alone.
If you have been assaulted an need to talk to someone, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) has a support line you can call 24/7. It's confidential, they can refer you to resources on your area, and it's completely anonymous. The number is: 800.656.HOPE (4673). You can also reach out to them 24/7 online at online.rainn.org.
