Between 2005 and 2009 more than 150 women were drugged and systematically gang raped in a small Mennonite community in Bolivia. Based on Canadian author Miriam Toews's novel of the same name from 2018, Women Talking is Sarah Polley's interpretation of these horrific misdeeds. After the men responsible for the attacks have been caught, some of the victims gather in a hayloft to discuss their options: to stay, to fight back, or to leave. This is Polley's first film since her critically acclaimed documentary Stories We Tell (2012), and with Women Talking she compellingly demonstrates that a film dominated by long and difficult conversations can also be cinematic. Almost as in a parable Polley addresses big themes such as survival, nonviolent protest, and forgiveness for vulnerable women in an exceedingly patriarchal. Sarah Polley's film represents North America in the Women's Gaze film series.
The film won an Oscar for Best adapted screenplay, and was also nominated for an Oscar in the category Best Film. The film stars Frances McDormand, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Sheila McCarthy, Michelle McLeod og Ben Whishaw.
The screening begins with a short guest presentation by Asbjørn Grønstad, professor of film studies at the University of Bergen.
Quelle: Visit Bergen