'Josephine' is a poignant exploration of the experiences of an eight-year-old girl who witnesses a rape, navigating the complexities of her understanding of such a brutal act. The film, directed by Beth de Araújo, is rooted in the personal experiences of the director, who recalls a memory from her childhood in which she and her father intervened in a sexual assault at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This traumatic event fuels the narrative, inviting viewers to reflect on the pervasive violence against women and the psychological repercussions that follow.

The film has garnered significant attention, having won both audience and critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival, and is now a contender for awards at the Berlin Film Festival. De Araújo shares that the story aims to capture the feelings of hyper-vigilance and fear that women often experience in their daily lives. Through the eyes of a young girl, the film seeks to portray not only the irrational heightened alertness that trauma can induce but also legitimate fears surrounding personal safety in a world fraught with violence.

As 'Josephine' prepares to make its mark on international film stages, its powerful narrative serves not only as entertainment but also as a crucial commentary on societal issues related to gender-based violence. The director’s desire to confront these themes through the innocence and perspective of a child emphasizes the need for open conversations about violence against women and the various ways it impacts individuals and society as a whole.