"I Said No"
A short film that demonstrates how a woman copes after having been sexually assaulted.
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Ryan SehmiDirector
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Michaela SalvoWriter
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Ryan SehmiWriter
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Ryan SehmiProducer
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Michaela SalvoProducer
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Michaela SalvoKey Cast
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Project Type:Short, Student
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Runtime:1 minute 34 seconds
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Completion Date:April 23, 2019
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Production Budget:0 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:digital, 4K
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:Yes
Ryan Sehmi, a film and television student at the University of Hertfordshire with a study abroad year at Central Connecticut State University never thought he would see himself in a directors position. When beginning to pursue a career in his field, he always saw himself working on live studio television. Things changed for him after witnessing his girlfriend and best friend, artist, Michaela Salvo struggle to heal after she was sexually assaulted. He originally began collaborating with Salvo in order to help her heal, however, it soon became much more than that. Sehmi's work is focused on helping survivors of sexual assault, bringing awareness, and teaching viewers how their actions can affect people.
Creating this film has been incredibly taxing. Upon beginning this project, Michaela and I had no idea what we would be signing up for. Countless hours shooting, editing, performing, with reshoot upon reshoot, edit upon edit, new versions all so different from the last. Every second, minute, hour and day that we’ve put into this project is so important to us. I am truly proud of what we have been able to accomplish in making this video. We have been able to create a piece of art that is able to help victims of assault, a piece of art that demonstrates what a victim coping actually feels and a piece of art that can hopefully make a difference.
My influence for making work like this is, and always be, my partner, my rock, my love, Michaela Salvo. I make work like this because I care about her. After her assault, I could see she was struggling to make art and I, someone who would never consider himself an artist, asked if we could embark on a project that combines her passion of art and photography and my ability with a camera and Adobe Premiere Pro. Together, and I can’t stress this enough, as a team, we were able to create a product that has the ability to help people.
We want this film to reach people all over the world. With this film being so short, our goal in submitting this to festivals is recognition as artists. After getting critical acclaim, our goal is to bring this project, and our other projects in visual media, to colleges and universities all over the world in a traveling gallery to help spread awareness about sexual assault.