Behind the Rain: A Film Addressing Childhood Sexual Abuse Premieres at KVIFF

Behind the Rain, directed by Valeria Sarmiento, explores the challenging theme of childhood sexual abuse through the lens of its protagonist, Sofía. After completing her psychology studies in Valparaíso, Chile, she returns to her hometown of Valdivia, where the discovery of a young girl's body triggers suppressed memories. The film premiered in the Crystal Globe main competition at the 60th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Exploring Difficult Themes in a Unique Visual Style

The film employs stunning black-and-white visuals to depict the emotional weight of its narrative, with color appearing only at the end. Sarmiento explained, “I knew from the very beginning that the film was going to be in black and white, except for the ending, because I grew up seeing films with no color.”

Through her artistic choices, Sarmiento aims to reflect the complexity of childhood trauma, stating, “My mother said to me that I have to look behind the rain in order to see all the colors and aspects.” This creative decision enhances the storytelling, making the film visually compelling while addressing a heavy topic.

The Collaborative Journey Behind the Film

Originally, Sarmiento planned to collaborate with French and Swiss filmmakers but found renewed inspiration in her homeland. “When I met with Chamila Rodríguez, she suggested to go back to where it all started, which meant Chile,” Sarmiento shared. Rodríguez, who plays a lawyer in the film, expressed her personal connection to the story, revealing, “I experienced something similar when I was a child. My experience of child abuse was hidden, and I never spoke about it until I was 40.”

The collaboration between Sarmiento and Rodríguez, who have worked together for 20 years, reflects a deep trust and shared vision for the project. Rodríguez added, “I also see art, including film, as a way to exorcize demons, as a way to transform horrible things into something that’s more positive.”

Impact and Hope for Societal Discussion

Both Sarmiento and Rodríguez hope that Behind the Rain will spark vital conversations about childhood abuse. Sarmiento emphasized, “We hope the film will do exactly that.” Rodríguez echoed this sentiment, stating, “People have to talk about it. It’s like the abuse is hidden because children don’t have the words to be able to tell others about what’s been happening.”

As audiences engage with the film, it aims to shed light on a topic often shrouded in silence, encouraging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths.