Two Concordia University film studies graduates are tackling the difficult topic of sexual violence and consent in a most unexpected way.
Daniel Sterlin-Atman and Lori Malepart-Traversy have created three 20-second stop-motion animation videos starring fruit as a way to jump-start discussions on consent and other issues regarding sexual assault.
“One of our videos is on bystander intervention, we were able to convey a very complex topic in only 20 seconds,” said Karen McCarthy of Institutional Communications at Concordia. “It’s all about starting the conversation, creating awareness on campus.”
The films are part of a larger project featuring postcards, posters and digital screens aimed at getting the message out across campus.
Students who have seen the videos said they appreciated the light tone but also clarity of the message.
“The one where the grape came to help the strawberry, sometimes you see these things happening but you don’t know how to react,” said student Elasah Fitz-Patrick.
Most victims of sexual violence are women between the ages of 18 and 24 years old, making it a significant problem in universities.
“It’s quite pervasive, it’s a huge issue for all universities,” said Concordia Sexual Assault Resource Centre coordinator Jennifer Drummond. “I think all schools are struggling to address this issue to prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place.”
