The documentary “Survivor Made” lives up to its name. The film is made by domestic abuse survivors, for survivors. And because they know better than anyone the importance of sharing within a community, the filmmakers have taken a unique step in releasing it.
“Survivor Made,” which is directed by Drew Denny, is rolling out this month in special screenings across the country and will be made available for TVOD rental on November 22. But more importantly, the film will be offered for free to those in need or are unable to afford the rental price, and survivors will be able to watch it anonymously if they’re in unsafe situations at home.
To champion the film’s message, IndieWire can share exclusively that Padma Lakshmi is joining “Survivor Made” as an executive producer. She joins fellow EPs Roxane Gay, Alok Vaid-Menon, Debbie Millman, and Nava Mau, all of whom are likewise outspoken survivors of gender-based violence.
“Survivors of gender-based violence are so often silenced and not given the opportunity to tell their own stories,” Lakshmi said in a statement to IndieWire. “‘Survivor Made’ is revolutionary in its honest and joyful portrayal of survivors as they build their lives, businesses and communities — focusing not on their trauma, but on their healing. I’m honored to support this film as an Executive Producer as it is released directly to audiences across the country.”
“Survivor Made” is being released directly to audiences, not through a distributor and is not seeking a traditional sale, and that’s intentional. Sonya Passi, CEO of the non-profit group FreeFrom whose company is one of the subjects of the film, said the goal was to make the documentary as accessible as possible, not spend years on the festival circuit hoping a streamer buys it and releases it to a niche audience.
“That wasn’t why we made it. I’m not trying to convince anyone of the artistry here,” Passi told IndieWire. “I’m trying to reach survivors and and really create momentum and build survivors’ power. As I’m saying these words, it’s never felt like any more of an important time to do this. We need to see survivors’ joy.”
The film was funded through donations and from not-for-profit foundations. It allowed the filmmakers to be more intentional about how to reach audiences.
But there was another reason to not put “Survivor Made” on Netflix or another streamer; Doing so would “not necessarily be the safest route to a viewer,” Denny explained. Watching it on a streamer, complete with an easily noticeable viewing history to anyone else in the household — namely someone who could be that person’s abuser — could be dangerous.
“Survivor Made” can be rented via a platform called Gathr, which offers an online download without collecting personal information, that’s not publicly displaying viewing history, and doesn’t take credit card info or send a receipt. It’s as close to “anonymous” as you can get online.
“It just gives people freedom,” Passi said. “It gives people freedom to delve into what might be an extremely locked away piece of trauma in a way that’s safe, in a way that’s personal, in a way that’s private.”
FreeFrom is also working to make the film available for free (the normal rental price is $12) if you are a survivor or can’t afford the cost. Passi’s organization is designed to give survivors cash and financial security, no proof necessary with trust that you’re honest about your circumstances. “Survivor Made” is being released in that same spirit, and FreeFrom will be footing the bill.
Without a traditional distributor or marketing arm, having the support of someone like Lakshmi goes a long way. Passi and Denny have been moved by Lakshmi’s vulnerability in discussing her own experiences with rape, and they’re thrilled to have her support.
“We’re so lucky. We’re so grateful,” Passi said. “Padma has been such a champion for survivors.”
Denny’s film does not depict any instances of violence on screen, and though it includes discussions of it, the film follows survivors as they’re working to discover financial independence and again find joy in their lives.
“It’s about that bond, that community effort to not only to survive for yourself and your family, but to help fellow survivors as well. I think there’s a lot of joy in that,” Denny said. “I’m really hoping that survivors and anybody struggling in this moment can look at this and realize that, yes, this is hard, we know that it’s hard, we’ve been through it before, and this time it’s probably going to be worse. But we can save each other. We can support each other, and we can give people something to look forward to.”
“Survivor Made” will screen in Los Angeles at Vidiots and at Playa Studios on Nov. 15 and 16 and at The Times Center in New York on Nov. 22. It will also screen in Oakland, Seattle, and Washington, with more info here.
