In an effort to shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual harassment, a series of strikingly edited videos featuring recognized actors has been produced. Titled #ThatsHarassment, this project, spearheaded by actor and director Matt Turner, showcases real-life examples of harassment that many women encounter regularly. The series, comprising six short films, is not only uncomfortable to watch but also reflects the unfortunate reality faced by countless individuals.
Turner, who gained fame for his role in a popular sitcom, drew inspiration from the women in his life to create this impactful series. “I grew up hearing stories of sexual harassment from my mother. Every woman I know has faced some form of harassment, except for my daughter, thankfully, who is only six,” he shared in an interview. “My mom was one of only a few women in a large class of lawyers back in law school, and throughout her career, she faced unending harassment.”
The idea for the series originated from Turner’s long-time friend, director Maya Cohen, who experienced her own episode of sexual harassment. After her experience, Cohen crafted five short films on the subject that were initially released in Israel. This year, she collaborated with Turner to adapt four of those films for an American audience while creating two additional ones.
“I wanted to visualize what sexual harassment looks like rather than just hear about it,” Cohen stated. “Most existing representations are either overly violent or unrealistic, failing to capture the nuances of the issue.” The films certainly illustrate those nuances, enabling viewers to relate their own experiences to the depicted scenarios.
For instance, “The Coworker” features a scene where a man comments on his female colleague’s attractiveness while she laughs uncomfortably. Many viewers may find themselves recalling similar uncomfortable encounters, often downplayed or dismissed due to their frequency. Turner reflected on this troubling reality, stating, “When you’ve been marginalized your whole life and conditioned to feel like a second-class citizen, it’s not surprising that many women struggle to recognize harassment when it happens.”
Each video presents a male character — the Boss, the Actor, the Doctor, the Coworker, the Photographer, and the Politician — who engages in subtle acts of sexual harassment towards women in their lives. Turner explained that the films aim to empower victims and witnesses of harassment to speak out. “This kind of behavior is prevalent in professional settings, and it’s often about power dynamics. Unfortunately, fear of retaliation often silences witnesses,” he noted. “When individuals see others recognizing that something is wrong, it creates a supportive environment for those affected to come forward.”
Moreover, one of the films includes a reference to a well-known public figure’s troubling remarks about sexual misconduct. The character states, “Grab them by the…” which was intentionally included to highlight that harassment transcends political affiliations. “This isn’t just a political issue; it’s a societal one,” Turner clarified. “That said, the boastful nature of such comments is deeply concerning, especially when thinking about future generations.”
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In summary, the #ThatsHarassment project brings much-needed attention to the often-overlooked nuances of sexual harassment. Through relatable scenarios and powerful storytelling, it encourages dialogue and action against this pervasive issue.