After Sanaa, a rising racial justice organizer, is sexually assaulted by a fellow activist, she tries to bury her trauma and return to her normal life. But when her boxer fiancé, Kendrick, pushes her to fight back, the couple must grapple with their conflicting definitions of justice, healing, and protection.
This film asks the question, “What do we mean when we say ‘Protect Black Women?’” and what happens when physical protection isn’t enough?
WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “PROTECT BLACK WOMEN?”
Across the country, Black activists are sharing their stories to guide us towards collective liberation. In some cases, like Toyin Salau, those stories end too soon. In her memory and that of the many Black survivors that have come before her and those that will follow her, we will not be silent. Not politically, personally, or creatively.
We need more stories about survivors of sexual assault and violence. Media representation of survivors is often grossly inaccurate, especially for Black survivors.
For Black women, 75% of attacks are committed by men they know, and 1 in 15 report their attack. These statistics are rooted in a historically complicated relationship with law enforcement, community, and Black men.
Go to the Body is not a film that glamorizes Black trauma, but instead tells a story about the road to healing. It’s more than a social justice film, a boxing movie, or a romance.
This is our love letter to Black survivors.
WHAT’S NEXT
With the completion of our proof of concept, we are moving into the next phase of our production process. Our priorities for this phase includes securing investors, key talent, and key partnerships.
We are committed to investing in the local BIPOC Chicago film community. Outside of key talent, our cast and crew will all be local artists and everyone will be paid equitable rates.
Once complete, we intend to screen at festivals and ultimately release the film theatrically or through a major streamer. Additionally, we’re planning an impact campaign plan including screenings and discussions with universities and community organizations.