AUSTIN, Texas — A local lawsuit is taking center stage at South by Southwest (SXSW).
A documentary called "An Army of Women" had its world premiere during SXSW on March 8. It follows three women who sued the city of Austin over unprosecuted sexual assault cases.
Below is the film's official synopsis from SXSW:
"When Amy, Marina and Hanna’s rape cases are dismissed by the Austin police, all three women try to find a way to rebuild their lives. They join forces with twelve other women in a groundbreaking federal class-action lawsuit, the first to argue that sexual assault isn’t prosecuted because it’s a crime that predominantly affects women. The group is determined to hold police and prosecutors accountable for their inaction, but their resilience is tested as they face setbacks from the system they hope to change. Ultimately, "An Army of Women" offers a hopeful look into a movement that aims to change the future for women everywhere."
KVUE spoke with the film's director on March 12.
"Most of the people are in Austin or in Texas, so it's very meaningful to them and to me that the first screening of the film is here," Julie Lunde Lillesæter said.
Thousands of rape kits for Austin sexual assault victims were untested before 2016 – part of the city's now-closed crime lab where the mix-ups took place, resulting in issues with thousands of kits.
Earlier this year, the city made a public apology to the 15 survivors who are part of the lawsuit. Leaders made it known they are sorry for how they were treated and pledged to do better.
"An Army of Women" premiered on March 8 at the ZACH Theatre and screened again on March 12 at the Rollins Theatre at The Long Center. It will screen a final time on March 15 at 6 p.m. at AFS Cinema.