DISCLAIMER: This piece discusses sensitive topics, including sexual assault and trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
Survivors of sexual violence can have a positive impact by channeling their pain into purpose, as witnessed through the documentary BLACK BOX DIARIES. This self-directed documentary by Shiori Itō follows her pursuit for justice as a survivor. Others can be inspired to heal and overcome adversity by the way that survivors address their trauma – particularly those who engage the opportunity to teach others about their experiences.
BLACK BOX DIARIES is a video diary-styled look into the oppression faced by Japanese journalist Shiori Itō in the midst of the #MeToo movement. This documentary follows a landmark sexual assault court case and documents the trauma experienced by the victim, as well as her struggle for justice. This piece speaks to common challenges encountered by survivors as they seek justice through the legal process, including stigma, corruption, and the unwillingness of others to provide support. A significant moment in the film occurs when Itō addresses the concerns of her family, who worry that she will be forever disgraced by the trauma she experienced. This exploration of secrecy and shame, particularly for families and not just individuals, shed light on cultural context, as well as on survivor guilt and societal pressure.
A powerful scene from the film was when Shiori began sobbing when a key witness agreed to testify for her when all others had refused, and they also recognized that what she had experienced was very wrong. For those who may not identify as survivors, this emphasizes the need to be an active bystander and to not perpetuate or allow injustice. Seeing the actual pain of a survivor onscreen informs audience members about the weight of this trauma. This education effort will hopefully ensure that it does not reoccur in the future.
This film was dedicated to all survivors. Understanding the audience for this film helped me to realize how powerful storytelling can be for reaching and empowering people. A stylistic element that I appreciated was the overlay handwriting used throughout the film. This amplified the “diaries” motif and was another artistic expression of the filmmaker. A memorable scene was when Shiori went onto the street and was recognized by people. The older women remarked at how they could not believe that she was the one who had been assaulted. This speaks to the strength of her as an individual, as well as to the healing that she was able to experience.
I got to attend the Hawaiʻi Premiere of BLACK BOX DIARIES this year at the 2024 Hawaiʻi International Film Festival. In the past, I have attended other HIFF screenings addressing topics such as violence against women and girls. I appreciate HIFF44’s amplification of voices and issues that are important to societal discourse, justice, and change. This film was incredibly moving and spoke directly to the plight of survivors, showcasing the possibility of channeling their pain into purpose.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, please reach out for help. Here are some resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 1-800-656-HOPE
Please be kind to yourself and take breaks as needed.
You can read the full article on Elise’s platform here.
Elise Hatsuko Kaneshiro is the founder of an online platform that helps people live healthy, thriving, and inspired lives. With a background in policy advocacy, Elise is passionate about storytelling, thought leadership in film, and socially conscious film critique. A former fellow of Hawai’i Women in Filmmaking’s Wāhine in Film Lab in 2022, she is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of creators and driving impactful conversations in film.
The HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) program supports sustainable film criticism in Hawaiʻi through mentorship and paid career opportunities for Hawaiʻi-based AANHPI critics. The mission of HOCCI is to broaden diversity in film criticism across the Pacific and use influencer branding strategies to spark career opportunities. The 2024 HOCCI is supported by Critical Minded, a grant-making and learning initiative that supports cultural critics of color in the United States.
