“His Name is Niv”

A Short Film about Consent Inspired by a Personal Story

Written & Directed by Melissa Center

Several years ago I was in a relationship with a man who, on a couple occasions, was sexually aggressive with me. At first I didn’t think to question it because we were getting to know each other, and I hadn’t yet learned how to articulate my boundaries without feeling like I was doing something wrong. Also, at first, I interpreted his aggressive tendencies as attraction.

This film depicts the last interaction we had:

What’s not included in this story is the backstory leading up to this moment. At the end of the day, the need for the backstory is, in fact, part of the problem. We ask - why? We ask - what did she do to make him think that was ok? We ask - how did she lead him on?

No form of Sexual Assault is ever ok. Engaging in sexual acts without verbal or CLEAR physical consent is not ok.

Assault doesn’t always look like how we imagine it: In a back alley by a violent stranger; Held up at gunpoint; Drugged with Roofies.

Many times assault happens by someone you know, by someone you thought you trusted, in a way that catches you completely by surprise.

When a woman feels compromised, her verbal capacity shuts down.

If this film speaks to you, or if you would like to share this film with your communities, please reach out to me HERE.

With love & respect,

Melissa Center