Representing What WAVES Stands For

It was a very special weekend for one of our team members! WAVES Creative Director, A.C. Brooke, premiered her film Paper Birds on Saturday in observation of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The screening took place at her alma mater, Millersville University, where she first began working on the project under Dr. Changfu Chang, the director of Silent War.

The 30-minute piece explores fragmented and recovered memories—a common phenomenon for survivors of childhood trauma. Alli notes that her inspiration behind the film came from noticing a gap in media representation, stating in the film, “I remember finding a subreddit for adult survivors of CSA and going through the posts being like, ‘I could’ve written this.’ From there I was able to figure out what I was experiencing and piece things together. But what I couldn’t figure out was, ‘Why is no one talking about it?’”

Following the screening, a panel was held featuring several professionals from relevant organizations coming together to hold an illuminating discussion on trauma and healing. The panelists explored common misconceptions, challenges survivors often face, and what it means when we say ‘the body keeps the score.’ But most importantly, they offered hope in the form of new ideas, sharing available resources, and weaving in their own lived experiences to emphasize that healing really IS possible. It was a beautiful event, and we’re lucky that a few additional WAVES members were even able to attend in-person and virtually!

When we think of what WAVES stands for, so much of it is this: breaking silence and finding strength through storytelling and community. Congratulations, Alli! We are so proud of you.

Want to learn more about the film? Click on the button below!