The Trials of Spring centers on Hend Nafea, Khadiga Hennawi, and Mariam Kirollos and sees through the lens of women's rights. The film narrates the violence perpetrated against Egyptian women and the injustices demonstrated by the government of Hosni Mubarak before his ousting. It follows the pursuit of justice by the three women and their dedication to a free nation without torture. The Trials of Spring centers mainly around Nafea, who suffered tremendously for her continued support and involvement in the demonstrations.
In 2011, the promise of freedom and change spread across North Africa and the Middle East like wildfire. Popularly described as the Arab Spring, men and women took to the streets shoulder to shoulder, chanting "bread, freedom, and social justice for all." The Spring saw decade-old repressive regimes fall to their knees amid the unity. Among those leading activists were Hend Nafea, Mariam Kirollos, and Khadiga Hennawi.
However, their celebration following the ousting of Mubarak is short-lived, as women become targets and victims of sexual and physical violence. As protests go on for another six weeks after Mubarak's fall, differences between the people and the Muslim brotherhood emerge.
It becomes worse during the celebration of Women's Day on March 8th. Chants are made against women to leave Tahrir Square, and some women are sexually harassed. When the military comes in, some women are arrested and forced to undergo "virginity tests."
Khadiga speaks about becoming the surrogate mother to female protestors and welcoming them to her home. Nafea was a student activist during the protest. She hails from a conservative village and a military family that denied her basic freedoms and witnessed gender-based violence at a younger age. She talks about her anger and how it fueled her to participate in college activism, where she would encourage other students to stand up for their rights. The revolution gave her the platform to raise her voice against injustices surrounding her life.
Nafea also narrates how her family came for her with orders from the government. She was locked in her room, where she felt like she was in another prison. She started planning her escape and protesting at home through statements on the wall. She was summoned by the public prosecutor and charged with several offenses. The new government of President Morsi pardoned her, and Nafea went back to live in Cairo after her family disowned her.
Three years after Mubarak's fall, street protests are still going on and getting worse. One side of the protestors supports the military while the other is totally against it, and the streets turn to horror. The unity of the revolution ceases to exist. Nafea describes that period as the dark days when many lives are getting lost in the protest and the police are using excessive force. Will there be justice? Watch on and find out.
What can this educational documentary be used as a resource for?
The Trials of Spring can be used as a library education or classroom resource for human rights, especially women's and children's rights activism, and also as a resource for political studies.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
The Trials of Spring would be suitable for a film collection that revolves around the inequality and injustices against women.