No Go Tell on child sexual abuse: Power of 'No'

Of late, newspapers have begun devoting nearly a page to peedana varthakal (harassment news). Distressingly, the age of the victims seems to keep getting lower and lower. A priest impregnating a 16-year-old girl, a 12-year-old earning the dubious distinction as India’s youngest father after impregnating a 16-year-old and even toddlers getting molested or raped – all point to the pathetic situation that the society finds itself in. In the light of such unfortunate happenings, director Jude Anthany Joseph has released a six minute video film — No Go Tell on child sexual abuse. The film that features actor Nivin Pauly in the lead has been shot by cinematographer Mukesh Muralidharan.

The music for the film has been handled by Shaan Rahman. All these leading lights along with editor Rias have teamed up with the director without accepting any remuneration. In the film that has already become the talking point, Nivin is seen instructing a few kids on how to attain body safety and the various steps required to ensure the same. He educates the kids on good touch and bad touch, and tells them that they should react if someone tries to physically assault them and report the incident to their parents or teachers at the earliest. The video that has already gone viral is being shared and appreciated by many. The film also has English subtitles.

The video film has been shot in association with Bodhini Metropolis Trust which works to prevent child abuse and violence against women. Commenting on their association with No Go Tell, the representatives of Bodhini say, “It is very important to teach children body safety rules like traffic safety rules. The film intends to avoid the paranoia surrounding child abuse and make children aware that they should ever feel ashamed or be frightened to report such incidents.”

During the making, the director had got into a row with the Kochi Mayor after she refused him permission for shooting at Kochi’s Subhas Park. Commenting on his feelings of accomplishing what he wanted despite the unexpected bottleneck, director Jude Anthany says, “I just wanted to do something for a social cause and as directing is what I can do best, I thought of making a video film. It is not something very creative or out of the box to be extremely proud of. I came to know that it will be shown to school students starting this academic year and therefore I feel that the purpose is served.”

Jude has also mentioned in his Facebook post that it was his concern as the father of a girl child regarding increasing sexual atrocities towards children that persuaded him to come up with a film like this. He has also written about how kids irrespective of their age and situation are being misused. “I have planned a couple of similar projects. Some are in pipeline and will be released soon for the public,” Jude added.

Sharing his thoughts about the video, Actor Nivin Pauly, wrote on this social media page, “Children are a priceless gift from God and our best hope for the future...Every child has the right to be in a safe environment, to be protected from harm and danger and most importantly, to never be exploited. Child sexual abuse is one of the biggest threats faced by our society today. Every day we read reports of such cruelty happening to children, from strangers and even from family. These sickening reports are heartbreaking. When Jude approached me with this concept of a video to educate children about the danger of sexual abuse, I decided to convert my grief into action. Our aim was to raise a voice against such horrible acts. Small step towards creating awareness. A Big thanks to all who made this effort possible — my friend Jude for the initiative, Bodhini for their amazing work & support, all the authorities, and the wonderful children. Stand up for them, don't stand back...Children are uncut diamonds. It is our responsibility to save them too. Please share the video and let's all teach our children to protect themselves and raise a voice against such abuse.” [SIC].