Director María Herrera Seeks Goya with Short Film on Consent: 'I Have Been Told That Removing the Condom Without Notice Is Not a Severe Sexual Assault'
María Herrera's short film 'El cuento de una noche de verano' deals with the theme of consent, highlighting the serious implications of stealthing.
María Herrera, a 33-year-old director from Madrid, aims for a Goya Award with her short film 'El cuento de una noche de verano', which addresses the issue of consent in sexual relationships. The film captures a harrowing moment where the protagonist realizes that her partner has removed the condom without her consent during intercourse. This sudden realization transforms her experience, leaving her paralyzed by fear and uncertainty, as she grapples with the violation of trust and the implications of such actions in modern relationships.
The short film, which lasts 22 minutes, not only narrates a personal story but also underscores a broader societal issue that continues to be discussed within legal frameworks. While the act of stealthing is recognized in some jurisdictions as an assault, it often remains obscured in public discourse, leading to misconceptions about the severity of such violations. Herrera's work aims to bring these conversations into the spotlight, addressing misconceptions such as the belief that stealthing is minor or less harmful compared to more overt forms of assault.
By illustrating the emotional and psychological impact of stealthing, Herrera’s film seeks to educate viewers on the importance of consent and the necessity of clear communication in sexual encounters. It emphasizes that the failure to respect consent can lead to significant trauma, highlighting the need for greater awareness and understanding of sexual rights and responsibilities among individuals.