3 SU students created ‘Womanifesto,’ shedding light on sexual abuse on campus

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Three Syracuse University film students released a documentary on Feb. 6 about gender discrimination at SU. The film, titled “Womanifesto,” aims to bring more attention to gender inequality and share personal stories of women around campus.

Erica Negrini, Jeanisha Mariah and Cristie Kwon, started the documentary during the fall semester, and they incorporated elements such as statistics regarding sexual assault and gender discrimination rates at other universities into their film. They also interviewed a wide range of women.

“We split up the documentary into three parts. In the first main part, we talk about gender inequality in specific majors,” said Negrini.

The film then expands on interviewing women involved in Greek life and other student organizations, as well as their feelings toward their involvement.

“We interviewed a lot of really powerful, anonymous women who are brave enough to share their stories with us, and they did a great job,” said Mariah, a sophomore.

Negrini said the students were able to interview about 10 to 15 people, with many sharing their personal stories and opening up about sexual assault.

“One of the first women that we interviewed felt safe enough to open up about her sexual assault story and just tell us that. At the end of the interview, I just remember me and Jean were crying. It was so overpowering and very emotional,” Negrini said.

Mariah said she feels this conversation needs to be had not only with SU’s administration but with students on campus and colleges everywhere. She added that many students are afraid to speak about these issues and therefore don’t receive help. This film aims to encourage people to listen to students regarding gender discrimination and hopefully create change in the future.

Kwon, a junior, said the name “Womanifesto” draws inspiration from a famous Korean TV show where women are seen street dancing to a song called “Manifesto” and displaying their true selves.

Liv For Now, a band featuring songstress and multi-instrumentalist Liv DuFine, guitarists Maria Nido and Jesse Herman, bassist Jared Rowland and drummer Nick Beebower, performed at the “Womanifesto” premiere. Megan Jonas | Contributing Photographer

“It shows women getting better treatment and telling (you) about what a woman deserves. Listening to the Manifesto, I immediately thought, ‘That’s going to be a great combination between women and manifest,’” Kwon said.

The film was shown at the Shaffer Art building in the Shemin Auditorium on Sunday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. Musical guest Liv For Now performed prior to the film premiere.

Liv For Now is a band that consists of songstress and multi-instrumentalist Liv DuFine, guitarists Maria Nido and Jesse Herman, bassist Jared Rowland and drummer Nick Beebower.

“Written by Liv DuFine herself, (the) songs use jarring, intricate lyrics to peek into her reality,” Negrini said. “The newest face of R&B-infused indie brings experimental melodies and fresh chord progression to the table.”

All donations received during the event went to Vera House, a nonprofit organization that seeks to prevent, respond to and try to bring an end to domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse.

“Our film might be uncomfortable, or make people sad or angry or disturbed,” Kwon said. “But I want them to fully accept those emotions and remember (them) so that regardless of gender, all people can pay attention to this issue and create solutions and do something for these issues.”