In the vast landscape of Canadian cinema, few films have dared to confront the harrowing depths of personal trauma and cultural silence quite like Because We Are Girls. Directed by Baljit Sangra, this poignant documentary, which debuted in 2019, holds a mirror up to the complexities of immigrant experiences and the silent suffering that often lurks behind closed doors.
Because We Are Girls (2019)
At the heart of the film are the Pooni sisters—Jeeti, Kira, and Salakshana—who share their deeply painful experiences of childhood sexual abuse. Raised in Williams Lake, British Columbia, these Punjabi Canadian sisters bravely come forward in their adulthood to reveal their trauma. Their abuser, a cousin who was entrusted with their care, is the focus of their painful journey toward justice and healing.
Title: Because We Are Girls
Director: Baljit Sangra
Release Date: 2019
Country: Canada
Language: English, Punjabi
Genre: Documentary
The road to sharing their story on-screen was not without obstacles. Originally slated for the 2018 Vancouver International Film Festival, the film’s screening was postponed due to the ongoing legal proceedings in the sisters’ case. This delay, while frustrating, underscored the delicate nature of the subject matter and the intersection of personal and public narratives.
This documentary was finally premiered at the 2019 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, a prestigious platform that allowed the film to reach an audience ready to engage with its challenging content. The documentary’s first screening in British Columbia came later at the DOXA Documentary Film Festival, further solidifying its role in sparking important conversations about abuse and cultural silence.
The impact of Because We Are Girls extended beyond the film festivals. It garnered significant recognition, earning two nominations at the Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards in 2019. The nominations for Best Canadian Documentary and Best British Columbia Film highlighted not only the film’s artistic and narrative strength but also its importance in addressing critical issues within the Canadian context.
The film’s raw portrayal of trauma and its effects on the Pooni sisters’ lives has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. As noted by various reviewers, including Zofeen Maqsood and Ken Eisner, Because We Are Girls does more than tell a story; it serves as a powerful testament to the courage required to break the silence and seek justice.
In an era where the #MeToo movement has amplified voices that have long been muted, Because We Are Girls stands out as a critical work in Canadian documentary filmmaking. It not only provides a voice to those who have suffered in silence but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader implications of cultural and familial secrecy.
The journey of Jeeti, Kira, and Salakshana Pooni, as captured in Baljit Sangra’s film, underscores the resilience and solidarity found within sisterhood, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Their story is a poignant reminder of the strength required to confront the past and the ongoing need for dialogue and support in addressing the realities of abuse within immigrant communities.
Because We Are Girls is more than just a documentary; it is a powerful call to action and understanding, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and support the brave individuals who step forward to share their stories.
