“That’s Harassment Campaign”

By Amanda Dominguez-Chio

Imagine a female employee helping her boss find a document on his computer. Her male superior thanks her for her help and makes conversation with her. Now imagine the boss making unwanted advances towards his employee. This is a scene detailed in one of the short films created by the #ThatsHarassment campaign.

Creator Sigal Alvin developed the series of short films based on real-life stories of sexual harassment in Israel. Alvin then contacted her friend actor David Schwimmer about creating the short films and distributing them in the U.S. Together, they partnered with Mazdack Rassi, co-founder of Milk Studios, to launch the #ThatsHarassment campaign.

…while people indicate they will likely respond to sexual harassment, people generally do not act when such an event arises.

All six videos are available to watch on the “That’s Harassment” Facebook page. Each short film presents a different example of sexual harassment.

In one, titled “The Photographer,” a young model poses in front of the photographer. As she strikes different poses, the photographer gradually oversteps his boundaries. He tells the model to touch her body. The audience witnesses her growing discomfort. Towards the end of the film, we learn that they are not the only ones in the room: there’s actually a room full of people witnessing the sexual harassment.

Ending the short film with the onlookers is significant because bystanders rarely speak up when they witness sexual harassment. According to George B. Cunningham, while people indicate they will likely respond to sexual harassment, people generally do not act when such an event arises. The ending of “The Photographer” creates conversation on ways that we can hopefully encourage bystanders to take action.

Watching all six of the short films was difficult. The real-life incidents Alvin and Schwimmer depict happen everywhere. They’re not limited to the entertainment industry and the #MeToo movement. Sexual harassment is prevalent in our society, and by watching these shorts people will become more aware of the problem.