A very good movie about pedophilia on little boys who were abused by their hockey coach is “Swift Current” – starring the real victims themselves, Sheldon Kennedy et al -- with actual documentary footage – directed by 3-time Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris.  The victims tell their own story and they are more powerful and more authentic than Spotlight and its Hollywood A-listers actors (who were paid millions of dollars to shift focus more on the journalists and the victims are secondary).  “Swift Current” contains real videos, real photos of the victims who tried to commit suicide, real court room scenes and real photos of the serial abuser who was caught and jailed.  Sheldon Kennedy now has a charitable foundation that helps victims of pedophilia and pederasty and rape.  Here are several comments on the movie “Swift Current” (which Spotlight can never claim for itself in its pathetic desperation for an Oscar buzz.  Read our Spotlight articles in the list below).

 

“It is estimated that one in six boys is sexually abused before the age of 16. Many struggle to overcome the fear, stigma, shame, and isolation that abuse can cause, and as a result, many never reach out for help.  Kids Help Phone believes that Swift Current can help change that. Our research with teen boys indicates that they respond best to stories of real-life experiences, as they want to learn how their peers and other trusted adults who have gone through a situation similar to them have coped, overcome and survived.  We hope that this film helps more people of all ages to find the courage to come forward and find the support they need.”

 

Sharon Wood - President and CEO of Kids Help Phone

 

“Swift Current is a deeply moving documentary about the impact of sexual abuse.  It tells us in stark terms that society can do much more to prevent abuse and better coordinate supports for victims and their families.  The Canadian Psychiatric Association admires Sheldon Kennedy’s honesty and courage in bringing this issue to the public through film.”

 

Dr. Sonu Gaind - President - Canadian Psychiatric Association

 

"This documentary film is a bright light on a societal problem that has been kept in the quiet room for far too long.  Josh Rofe’s film captures the fear, pain and confusion that Sheldon Kennedy and other sexual abuse victims face, not only at the time of the abuse, but for many years into their adulthood.  It also teaches us all that there is hope on the other side of all the pain and that education is the key to prevention…and prevention is the key to stopping the cycle of abuse."

 

Jeff Jackson – Former NHL’er and Partner - Orr Hockey Group

 

"This film helps us connect the dots between the impact of child abuse, trauma and the potentially life long issues of mental health and addiction. Sheldon continues to be a catalyst for social change by creating a deeper understanding of child abuse and the actions needed to address this important issue."

 

Laureen MacNeil - Executive Director -Canadian Mental Health Association Calgary Region

 

"A gritty, gripping, triumphant story of overcoming sexual abuse by sheer force of will. Sheldon Kennedy and Swift Current will stir you so and inspire you to action."

 

 Peter MacKay – Former Federal Minister of Justice

 

"Sheldon’s story has changed Canada for the better forever.  His raw bravery in coming out, turning his life around slowly, painfully sharing how much effort it takes to overcome the scars of abuse is inspiring.  He embodies the fragility of life and the triumph of the human spirit.  We need to keep this difficult conversation alive to protect our children.  We need to continue to equip ourselves to protect against this life devastating threat.  Swift Current describes a journey that all Canadians should understand."

 

(Lorraine Lafrenière – CEO - Coaching Association of Canada)

 

"Impossible is not a fact, it is an opinion usually held by those who have never tested themselves in the face of adversity. This is Sheldon Kennedy."