Halloween is scary and this year it coincides with a frightening election in the US. But, even more terrifying, abortion rights are in peril in in the US and abortion access is even being challenged in Australia now (thanks, America). In the US, the fight for reproductive freedoms has become fierce with access to abortion virtually denied in 17 states.
Klick Health and abortion justice activist group, All* In Action Fund, have teamed up with director, Gandja Monteiro, to create the provocative new film, The Trial, that draws on chilling parallels between 17th-century witch trials and today’s political landscape, where abortion bans are denying care and putting women’s lives in danger. The Trial tells the story of a woman named Claire, surrounded by what appears to be an angry Salem-witch-trial style mob with her hands bound, and a contemptuous judge prosecuting her for having an abortion.
The haunting story contains a shocking double-reveal: that the trial is happening now (being filmed on smartphones with a city skyline on the horizon) and every accusation hurled at the woman contains the verbatim words of anti-abortion policy makers determined to drag society into the past, including Louisiana Senator John Kennedy, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, and anti-abortion activist, Mark Lee Dickson.
Similarly, Claire’s words originate from real-world reproductive justice leaders, like Georgetown University Law Professor Michele Goodwin and Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
The Trial‘s real words dialogue includes:
- “I still wake up in a cold sweat terrified by nightmares of being hunted down.” — Lauren Miller of Dallas, testifying at Texas Senate hearing (June 13, 2024)
- “It makes no difference why or how that child ended up in that womb. It’s about killing a child because you weren’t responsible enough to keep your skirt down. It’s not your body anymore.” — North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (January 24, 2019, Facebook Live)
A 90-second is now running nationally on TV in the US, while the full film will compete in film festivals worldwide.
Director and producer, Gandja Monteiro, stated, “This project was about creating a sense of déjà vu—making people see that what we’re witnessing in the fight against abortion rights feels like history repeating itself. The dark ages of reproductive oppression aren’t behind us, they’ve crept back in—it’s all happening now.”
“The Trial brings to life the frightening reality of what is at stake today and sheds light on the urgent need for action, as we witness the systematic dismantling of our reproductive rights,” added Nourbese Flint, president of All* In Action Fund. “We’re being dragged backward by those who want to control our bodies and lives, but this does not have to be our reality. We have the power to craft our future.”
The film was conceived and written by Klick Health and produced by social impact company, Taking Over Films, and Gandja Monteiro. It was was filmed in Chester, NY, with Hannah Bernall playing Claire and Marc Lubbers the judge, with a special cameo by feminist philosopher Djamila Ribeiro.
“By crafting our script entirely of real-world present-day quotes, The Trial serves as a visceral reminder of how far we’re slipping backward, as abortion bans across the US have criminalised women and healthcare providers, placing them in danger even when lives are at stake,” stated the film’s co-writer and Klick Health group creative director, Amy Fortunato.
“These restrictive laws create a hostile environment fuelled by dangerous rhetoric—echoing the persecution of those accused during the Salem witch trials. We hope it serves as an urgent call to action for voters to join us in this fight,” added co-writer and Klick group creative director, Andrea Bistany.
