11/06/2024 - Norwegian director Julie Lunde Lillesæter’s film follows a group of women who vow to change the laws that have let their rapists go unpunished

After bowing at this year’s SXSW, Julie Lunde Lillesæter’s An Army of Women [+see also:
trailer
film profile] is due to have its international premiere as part of the imminent Sheffield Doc/Fest (12-17 June), in the festival’s Rebellions strand. The debut feature-length documentary by Norwegian director Lillesæter follows a group of women in Austin, Texas, who join forces to legally challenge the system that allowed their rapists to walk free.

When Amy, Marina and Hanna’s rape cases are dismissed by the Austin police, all three of them try to find a way to rebuild their lives. They join forces with 12 other women in a groundbreaking federal class-action lawsuit, the first to argue that sexual assault isn’t prosecuted simply 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, the film offers a hopeful look into a movement that aims to change the future for women everywhere.

Speaking to Cineuropa, Lillesæter said: “I'm thrilled and honoured to be having the international premiere of An Army of Women at Sheffield Doc/Fest this week. Sheffield is renowned for showcasing impactful documentaries, making it the perfect venue to bring this story to international audiences. Although the film takes place in the USA, the topic is sadly just as relevant in Europe. It's extremely difficult for survivors to obtain justice through the criminal justice system, and in the UK, the conviction rate for reports of sexual assault is less than 2%. I hope the film can inspire reform and demonstrate that through resilience and solidarity, the systems that fail us can be changed.”

The film was produced by Oslo-based Differ Media, and was financed by the Norwegian Film Institute, the Fritt Ord Foundation, Still Water Foundation, Viken Film Centre, Arts Council Norway, NRK, SVT, DR and NDR/Arte. Its international sales are handled by New York- and London-based Together Films.

Check out our exclusive trailer below: