This vexed issue has gravely concerned both Greek justice and the international community. It will be brought to the limelight through a full-length documentary by Vicky Vellopoulou entitled ”excision”. The documentary in question is now beginning to pave its way in international festivals, alongside with Hristina Pitouli’s ”Bref”. Quite recently, this issue took on unexpected publicity due to a decision made by the Athenian Court of Appeal to offer official shelter to a Kenyan immigrant who fled her country to avoid this gruesome operation. This decision gives hope regarding the solution of this immense social problem which bedevils more than 140 million women worldwide, mainly in Africa.
Ms Vellopoulou was in Kenya in the winter of 2013 and recorded the hideous practice of clitoridectomy and all the physical and mental consequences that is brings upon young girls aged 6 to 15. This practice is inextricably connected to an initiation to adulthood, as far as the culture and the customs of such societies are concerned.
As the director herself states” the beliefs connected to this operation are so dep rooted that people hardly find it disconcerting, let alone a reason to seek help. I wonder which is the mental saturation point when similar beliefs oppress and cause the body and soul of a human being to crumble”.
”Excision”, released by Indiego View Productions and Action Aid Hellas, is an overwhelming documentary which aims to inform, to sensitize and to denounce this anachronistic custom, hoping that change will be brought about.
Ms Hristina Pitouli, through ”Bref’ , refers to the same subject. As she stated herself, ”this is a short documentary which surpasses the formulaic view of” black or white”. Filmed in Spain, it reveals the various and often extreme points of view regarding the amputation of female reproductive organs. This is achieved through demonstrating conversations between men, women, and African immigrants.
”The problem of clitoridectomy is not a distant thing any longer. It also concerns people who might live next door, in Barcelona, Athens, or throughout Greece. They face the same dilemmas and perils. I will be more than content to share the film with the Athenian public and hear their stance on the issue. I am thus extremely happy and honored to be part of this festival.”
”Bref” has already been awarded as the best documentary in the ”Women’s Rights” category, in the Malaga Cinema Festival. It has also earned the ”special mention” title by the committee of critics of Articulo 31, a human rights festival in Madrid. It has also been released in various other festivals, making a huge impression.
