WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the fight for reproductive freedoms intensifies across the nation, All* In Action Fund has teamed up with director Gandja Monteiro (WEDNESDAY, AGATHA ALL ALONG, BRAND NEW CHERRY FLAVOR) on the provocative new film, THE TRIAL. Drawing 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 film debuts just weeks before the U.S. Presidential election.
THE TRIAL focuses on 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.
Director and producer Gandja Monteiro said, “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,” said 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.”
Written and conceived by global health marketing agency Klick Health and produced by social impact company Taking Over Films and Gandja Monteiro, THE TRIAL was filmed in Chester, N.Y. Hannah Bernall plays Claire, Marc Lubbers is the judge, and the film features a special cameo by feminist philosopher Djamila Ribeiro.
The Real Quotes Behind the Script
THE TRIAL draws all of its dialogue from the real words of both anti-abortion policy makers and reproductive justice crusaders, weaving them into a powerful narrative, including:
“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 (Jan. 24, 2019, Facebook Live)
“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 U.S. have criminalized women and healthcare providers, placing them in danger even when lives are at stake,” said the film’s co-writer and Klick Health Group Creative Director Amy Fortunato. “These restrictive laws create a hostile environment fueled 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.
Visit TheTrial.co to watch and share the film and learn how you can take action in the battle for reproductive freedom.
