- Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of PBS Wisconsin's Director's Cut.
Tonight, our show introduces you
to some incredibly brave former Amish women
who come forward and break a code of silence
in their communities regarding sexual abuse
at the hands of fathers, pastors, uncles, and brothers,
abuse that in some cases began before the age of 10 years old.
Tonight's film is Keep Quiet and Forgive.
Amish communities have always valued
their primarily rural existence, hard work,
and a humility toward life and God.
But along with those values comes a code of silence
within this community that, as you will see tonight,
helped enable some very dark transgressions.
Tonight's documentary gives a voice
to the brave survivors of this abuse
who were willing to come forward.
One survivor in particular
is the film's leading character, Lizzie Hershberger.
Hershberger was raped three decades ago
and found the strength to confront her abuser
and press charges.
In 2019, Hershberger's abuser was sentenced
to just 45 days in jail and 10 years probation.
Finding the courage to come forward is challenging enough,
but as it turns out, just the first step in a grueling process
for an Amish sexual abuse victim,
as the community tends to support the defendants
or accused in an effort to intimidate victims.
Once Lizzie Hershberger came forward with her tragic story,
she probably had no idea she would spark a movement
for others to come forward as well.
Through her, we meet other courageous survivors
like Menno and Katrina,
who are also determined to make their voices heard.
Keep Quiet and Forgive is directed
by journalist Sarah McClure.
McClure's approach to documentary filmmaking
is based on thorough research and investigative tactics.
She likes to tell human-driven narratives
that focus on topics such as sexual violence,
ecojustice, and gender issues.
McClure filmed tonight's documentary
over the course of five years in various states.
Director McClure was intent on showing how difficult it is
for these victims to not only leave their congregations
and speak up against the abuse they faced,
but to relocate, comparing their journey to that of immigrants
who seek life in a new country.
In addition to Keep Quiet , she has produced documentaries
about underground sex trafficking in Mexico
and a series called The Naked Truth for Netflix,
which focused on sexual abuse in fraternities.
The Philadelphia-based McClure has an impressive résumé
that took years to build,
which includes contributing to The New York Times,
Cosmopolitan, NPR, and The Guardian.
All of her skills and experience are on display tonight
with her feature film documentary directorial debut.
Keep Quiet and Forgive starts now on PBS Wisconsin,
your home for independent film.