JAPAN PRIZE International Contest For Educational Media

JAPAN PRIZE 2006 : Program Details

Sexual abuse scars the victim psychologically, and its influence continues throughout life. OPEN FRAME: THAT YEAR THAT DAY follows the lives of six people who actually were abused, using interviews in order to delve into the real meaning of sexual abuse and to enhance people's awareness. This courageous program tackles issues of sexuality which are regarded as taboo in India, or in a culture where people do not talk about sex openly. Among the six people, an elderly gentleman says, "The tragedy of male children is worse because nobody thinks that male children can be molested." Describing how he was abused, how he felt then, how he felt stigmatized, tears fell from his eyes. His personal trauma which is yet to be healed strongly appeals to the audience. The program also features interviews with school boys, asking them specific questions, such as "How would you feel if someone did such a thing to you?" after presenting them with examples of sexual abuse. Their expressions are impressive as they are perplexed, giggle with a touch of anxiety, and say, "I feel uncomfortable."

The programs in the Issues in Education category clearly reflect complex educational concerns of today - at once particular (to a time and place) and universal (transcending borders.) The challenges facing us seem daunting, but many of the programs suggest a way forward.

OPEN FRAME: THAT YEAR, THAT DAY confronts in a direct and honest manner a subject considered taboo - child sexual abuse. The film takes its strength from the on-camera recounting of personal experience. THAT YEAR, THAT DAY may have occurred long ago, but the impact of sexual abuse persists throughout a life and takes unexpected form. One of the most compelling qualities of this film is its immediacy and simplicity.

THAT YEAR, THAT DAY is a valuable tool for engaging with a most disturbing and hard to confront problem. It raises awareness and encourages discussion. Those who have chosen to share their stories with us have given us hope.

Meenakshi Vinay Rai
Director & Producer, Leoarts Communication

As a producer and director, it was a coveted honor to receive the Governor of Tokyo award for the film. This award has inspired and encouraged educational broadcasters in India to take up daring and bold issues of the oriental world initiating discussion, debate and a dialogue breaking the silence around issues like child sexual abuse.

THAT YEAR THAT DAY has made audiences accept that CSA (Child Sexual Abuse) is a reality that must not be ignored any longer. As child pornography has grown into a billion dollar industry, there is a strong need to address human sexuality in the context of child sexual abuse.

The film aims to sensitize parents in understanding the potential damage sexual abuse can do to their child's personality and evolve ways and means to equip them and their children in addressing it.

The film is a journey of six people reflecting upon their incidents of child sexual abuse corroborated with contemporary references from children's lives.