Brock University will screen a powerful film about sexual assault and welcome a public discussion following the movie on Friday, March 29.

Brock Sexual Violence Support and the Niagara Regional Sexual Assault Centre (CARSA) have partnered up to present The Tale, HBO’s Emmy-nominated film that explores the journey from denial to truth and the stories people tell themselves to survive.

The film, a personal memoir by director Jennifer Fox, follows a documentary filmmaker (played by Laura Dern), who, after revisiting a short story she wrote at 13, faces life-altering questions about her first sexual experience and the elusive nature of memory.

“As a part of the Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE), Brock Sexual Violence Support and Education feels it is necessary to raise awareness to the impact of sexual violence for individuals and for the community,” said Larisa Fry, the University’s Sexual Violence Support and Education Co-ordinator.

The Tale will be the first in a series of film screenings to continue this fall on a variety of human rights-related matters.

“We feel taking opportunities to work with community partners and to help educate and foster an environment where we can have these open conversations in order to bring attention and to make change is vitally important in building a stronger and respectful Brock community,” Fry said.

Following the free film screening, an open question-and-answer and discussion session will be held featuring experts within the fields of mental health, child welfare and rehabilitation. The panel will discuss the impact of childhood trauma.

Given the challenging nature of the film, staff from Brock’s Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre will be on-site for mental health support.

Attendees under 17 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian and a viewing authorization form will need to be signed at the time of entry.

The free screening will take place in Brock’s Sean O’Sullivan Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by the screening at 7 p.m.

Free parking is available on Brock’s main campus in Zones 1 and 2 after 6 p.m.

Details on upcoming screenings in the series will be posted to the HRE Facebook page as they become available. Students looking to connect with the HRE office, whether by email, phone or social media, can do so through the HRE website.