In 2020, Sofia Bekatorou, a sailing champion with two Olympic victories, bravely shared her story of being raped by a high-ranking official in the Greek sailing federation while she was part of the national team. Her courage led to a wave of other women coming forward, igniting Greece’s #MeToo movement.
Vania Turner, a Greek-British filmmaker, made her first full-length film, “Tack,” which debuted at the Thessaloniki Documentary Festival. The film tells the harrowing tale of Amalia Provelengiou, a young sailor who was abused and raped by her coach starting at the age of 12.
Turner’s documentary shines a light on the systemic abuse by powerful men in Greece and the culture of denial that perpetuates it. It follows Provelengiou’s quest for justice and Bekatorou’s fight to amend the Greek penal code, which currently prevents her from prosecuting her attacker due to the statute of limitations.
The director, who has a background in video journalism and does her own camera work, gained close access to both women from the start. She reached out to Bekatorou after her public disclosure and was present when Provelengiou decided to take her case to court.
As the first trial of its kind in Greece’s #MeToo era began, Turner faced the unknown. She acknowledged the lengthy and unpredictable nature of legal proceedings.
“Tack” not only looks at the devastating effects of sexual abuse on the victims but also examines its impact on their families and how gender-based discrimination and sexual violence affect countless women in Greece.
The film creatively uses animated court sketches and audio transcripts to depict Provelengiou’s trial, revealing the deep-seated biases against women who speak out about sexual assault in Greece.
Turner spent numerous hours with Bekatorou and Provelengiou, discussing their hopes and fears for the film, which they ultimately had the final say in editing. The director emphasized creating a respectful environment, considering the women’s past trauma.
For Provelengiou, who remained silent about her abuse for over a decade, the camera served as a therapeutic ally, documenting her story so it wouldn’t be forgotten.
“Tack” premiered in Thessaloniki on the same day Provelengiou’s abuser was sentenced to 13 years in prison in Athens. The emotional premiere showed Provelengiou the support and solidarity she had from the audience, contrasting with her isolating ordeal.
Despite Greece’s low ranking in the EU’s Gender Equality index, Turner believes progress has been made since the country’s #MeToo movement began. She highlights the importance of continuing the conversation and the fight for justice and belief in survivors.
The Thessaloniki Documentary Festival, which showcased “Tack,” ran from March 7 to 17, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice in Greece.