Australian
Screen

an NFSA website

Here I Am (2011)

A video which normally appears on this page did not load because the Flash plug-in was not found on your computer. You can download and install the free Flash plug-in then view the video. Or you can view the same video as a downloadable MP4 file without installing the Flash plug-in.

clip ‘Don’t hurt her anymore’

Original classification rating: M. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

The women at Temple House refuge have a get-together in one of the rooms. They drink, sing and talk, acknowledging each other’s pain and sharing in the pleasure of their company.

Curator’s notes

This scene cuts to the heart of the film. It shows women hurt by society opening up to each other without judgement, and healing in the process. The feeling in the room is conveyed through music. Anita (Betty Sumner) shouts 'Turn ‘em up’, then begins to sing along to the Archie Roach song ‘Walking into Doors’. The rest of the group join in singing, ’So my brother don’t hurt her anymore’. It’s a powerful moment given what these women have likely been through before coming to the refuge.