Bolivia had set itself high development policy goals during the period of government under Evo Morales.
Although the Bolivian state has passed several new laws in recent years to combat human smuggling
and to protect women against (sexual) violence, the level of violence against women and girls has
increased considerably. But not only Bolivia shows a very high incidence of physical and sexual violence
against women. Seven out of ten women are victims of violence. Very few of them dare to make their fate public.
Mi nombre es Maria tells the story of two women who have been able to break the cycles of violence in their partnerships.
The spoken part is based on an intensive process of interview, creative singing and storytelling, which took place during
two days of experimental encounters.
The footage was taken during my work at the "Juana Azurduy" Women's Centre in Sucre, Bolivia in 2018.
In this time I was able to accompany the women in their therapeutic and educational work
Karin de Fries, a psychodramatist, provided psychological support during the filming. Psychodram
is a therapeutic and educational group method developed by the psychiatrist Jakob Levy Moreno.Karin de Fries
The interview gives an insight into the filmic work behind the film Mi nombre es Maria.
Today, Maya and Anita fighting with like-minded women and organisations against all forms
of violence and the rule of patriarchy.
Paintings