A Wordless Stand Against Gender Violence
At this year’s Giffoni Sport event, spectators were moved to silence by a powerful, dialogue-free short film titled “You Are Not Alone.” Produced by Summeet in collaboration with top athletes, the spot uses vivid imagery and choreography rather than spoken words to highlight the reality of physical and verbal abuse that millions of women endure. The absence of dialogue amplifies the emotional impact, reminding viewers that survivors often suffer in quiet isolation.
The Visual Metaphor
Every frame of the film is carefully designed to evoke empathy and awareness:
- Close-up shots of clenched fists and tense postures illustrate the fear and tension victims experience.
- Seamless transitions between scenes show how violence can occur in public spaces as well as behind closed doors.
- A final, unbroken tableau of resilient women standing together reinforces the campaign’s message of solidarity.
By forgoing dialogue, the film lets viewers project their own experiences and emotions onto the characters, forging a universal connection that transcends language barriers.
Athletes as Ambassadors of Strength
Integral to the campaign is the presentation of “JK Defense Donna Forte,” a self-defense initiative led by world karate champion Stefano Maniscalco and European judo champion Emanuele Bruno. During the Giffoni Sport demonstration:
- Maniscalco showcased practical techniques designed to help women build confidence and physical resilience.
- Bruno highlighted defensive moves that can neutralize an attacker’s advantage, emphasizing safety in everyday settings.
- Together, they underscored the importance of discipline, awareness, and mental preparation.
This athletic partnership underscores the campaign’s belief that physical empowerment can support emotional healing and restore autonomy to survivors.
Producer and Creative Vision
Matteo Calveri, Summeet’s healthcare producer, explains the impetus: “We wanted a project that would shake people’s consciences and give a voice to those who have been silenced.” Calveri and his team traveled across Italy to screen the film at local communities and schools, aiming to spark open dialogue about gender-based violence. Executive producer Lorena Rutigliano adds:
- “Violence does not discriminate by background or skin color. We must ensure every woman knows she is not alone.”
- “Through sport and self-defense training, we can teach discipline and self-control to those who feel isolated.”
By combining cinematic art with real-world solutions, the creative team crafted a campaign that is as educational as it is emotionally resonant.
Engaging the Next Generation
Co-screenwriter Roberta Mastromichele highlights why Giffoni is the perfect platform for this initiative: “The festival draws many young viewers, including pre-teens, who can absorb these messages and grow up with a stronger sense of respect and empathy.” During the festival week, dedicated workshops allowed teens to discuss warning signs of abuse, self-care strategies, and how to support peers in crisis.
By targeting youth, the campaign seeks to nurture a culture where future adults understand the importance of consent, respect, and standing up for others.
Director’s Silent Impact
Director Gilles Rocca chose a silent format to underline his core belief: “Words often fail to capture the full horror of abuse. Visual storytelling can cut through defenses and reach the heart directly.” Rocca screened the film for male audiences as well, emphasizing that men must be part of the conversation if real change is to occur:
- The absence of speech compels viewers to watch every detail and confront uncomfortable realities.
- Moments of silence punctuated by action scenes create an emotional rhythm that resonates long after the screening.
- By excluding spoken lines, the film becomes more inclusive, communicating on a purely human level.
How to Support and Get Involved
If you were inspired by “You Are Not Alone,” here are ways you can contribute:
- Share the film on social media with the hashtag #YouAreNotAlone to raise awareness.
- Join or donate to local organizations providing self-defense classes for women.
- Encourage schools to host discussions on gender violence, using the short film as a launching point.
- Offer emotional support to friends or family who may be facing abuse by listening without judgment.
By amplifying the campaign’s message and supporting survivors, we can help transform silence into action and build safer communities for everyone.