SILENT SCREAM is a drama-documentary created by 27 women living in the Bristol area of England that seeks to dismantle the myths and misconceptions often used to justify FGM. The documentary’s creators estimate that more than 20,000 girls are at risk of being subjugated to female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK.
The documentary’s estimate of the reach of FGM in the U.K. is conservative. The numbers are likely much higher. Worldwide, roughly 100 to 140 million girls and women have already been subjected to FGM in mostly Islamic countries.
FGM is illegal in the U.K. and is classified as a human rights violation, but is a widespread practice in Islam.
The documentary gives a voice to women and girls who are obviously unable to speak about their own experiences. The project took five months and the women interviewed several leaders in their community including Chief Detective Inspector David McCallum, Dr. Comfort Momoh MBE, Dr. Sheikh Abdalla Yassin OBE, and a mother who told her personal story. Silent Scream was produced with the support of “Integrate Bristol” and www.zed-productions.co.uk. The full film can be viewed here: Silent Scream – FGM.