Grace

Grace Synopsis

More About Grace from Director & Producer Kathleen Hulka

The story follows the lives of three women: a young aspiring ballerina, a twenty-something career woman and an elderly grandmother as they all become victims of rape. The original composition by Nathan Terry conveys the power and pain of the film without the need for dialogue. Grace is a tribute to the female spirit and its ability to triumph over violation, betrayal and disrespect.

After a number of close friends confided in me the details of their rapes and attempted rapes, I was moved to do some research on the prevalence of the crime. I was astounded to discover that one in six American women become victims of sexual assault! This disgraceful statistic is so much more than just a number. How many women are in your life? These women are your friends, sisters, mothers, wives, and daughters. One in six have been or will be violated. So many of them never report the crime because the majority know their assailant and fear the backlash of pursuing charges. Other women report the crime, but charges are never filed. A serious discussion needs to start in this country. Rape is a preventable crime and the first step is talking about the issue and being role models for friends, brothers and sons. Teach respect and tolerate nothing less.

I had the opportunity to spend my senior year of college making a short film. This three-minute opportunity for an audience's undivided attention was, to me, a chance to bring light to this important issue and expose the pain caused by rape and sexual violation. At the same time, the film is meant as a tribute to the hundreds of thousands of beautiful, strong women that have made the decision to live their lives as survivors, not victims.

The most rewarding response to Grace has been from rape support group message boards where rape survivors have expressed their thanks for the creation of this film.