Watch This Film: Searching For Angela Shelton

by Dorothee Royal-Hedinger · 2009-07-23 15:51:00 UTC
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In 2004, filmmaker Angela Shelton set out on a journey across the United States to meet other Angela Sheltons in an effort to survey women in America. What she discovered was that 24 out of 40 Angela Sheltons had been abused just like herself.

The resulting film,“Searching For Angela Shelton” (which you can stream for free on Snag Films) becomes more than a survey of women, it’s a journey of self discovery during which Angela decides to finally confront her past and her own father - on Father’s Day.

When you hear statistics that say one in every six women will be raped in her lifetime, it's hard to comprehend what that really means. But this poignant and deeply moving film helps to give those numbers a face. With it’s cinema verite style and candid interviews, you can’t help but feel that you’re on the road with the five-person crew.

Keep in mind, this is definitely not a light-hearted movie and it certainly doesn't spare the viewer discomfort. But I think this work is vitally important because it fights against the taboos and silence surrounding survivors of sexual and physical abuse. The film also does a beautiful job of showing the beauty and strength of a group of American women from all walks of life.

Angela reaches out and connects to a group of women because they share a common name but more importantly, she discovers that they share a common experience.

The main message of the film comes out when an Angela Shelton in New York City tells the story of being assaulted as a teenager but escaping because her best friend stayed with her and fought back. She says, "all of us females should stick together. Unity." As the filmmaker states later on in the film, "we're all Angela!"

For more information about Angela Shelton visit her website and learn more about the Angela Shelton Foundation which has been formed "in order to empower all survivors to heal and lead joyful lives not matter what their name is."

Dorothee Royal-Hedinger
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