PLOT SUMMARY
About 'the smallest steps'
A feature documentary created on unceded Algonquin territory.
We know the statistics. We’ve heard the stories. And now we’re asking, what can WE do to end violence against women?
the smallest steps provides some answers through the interconnected stories of four women, each beginning their own journey to end violence against women in Canada.
With Victoria’s decision to pursue family law, Jade’s steps entering the legal world after articling, and Sheri and Ashley’s participation in a national gender equality initiative, this documentary provides a glimpse into how ordinary women are working towards extraordinary change.
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THE SMALLEST STEPS
The Cast
Jade
A driven young member of the Métis Nation of Ontario (ancestral roots in Red River, Manitoba) with a love of soccer and a deep commitment to her community, Jade has always been passionate about working in grassroots organizations.
As she comes to the end of her articling period, she prepares to find a job as a lawyer representing survivors. But when she discovers she has failed her bar exam, she must make a difficult choice amidst mounting student loans: Continue towards becoming a lawyer, or seek a new path for ending violence against women?
Sheri & Ashley
On the other side of the legal world, Sheri and Ashley--outdoor enthusiasts, mothers, and hard-working employees--are both survivors of violence.
After finally settling into their newfound freedom, they are ready to dedicate their energy to supporting other survivors. But as they participate in a national gender equality initiative, they quickly learn how triggering it can be to be a survivor doing anti-violence work.
Victoria
Victoria, a vivacious young woman with a passion for musicals and a desire to fight climate change, entered law school unsure of what legal career she might choose. But after a fellowship with Leighann Burns, an Ottawa Family Law lawyer working specifically with women who have experienced family violence, Victoria feels she might have found her calling. Before she can enter her desired career representing survivors of violence, she must first pass her bar exams and test her mettle through a year of articling.
Watch The Trailer
The Smallest Steps Blog
Some origins of ‘the smallest steps’ – Interviews with the OBA In anticipation of the upcoming December 5, 2024, OBA Program “Taking …
Hey TDBS Teachers! Screen ‘the smallest steps’ for #16Days! Guess what Toronto District School Board Teachers? the smallest steps is now available through …
Tackling Gender-Based Violence: Film screening and Panel Discussion We have exciting news! We have partnered with the Ontario Bar Association to bring …
‘the smallest steps’ part of Heart Work Conference Haven’t had a chance to see the smallest steps yet? Well, the Heart Work Conference …
We'd like to thank our supporters!
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the City of Ottawa.
We acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.
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Contact:
For more information, connect with us at vawdoc@gmail.com