Activist and PhD Candidate Mandi Gray, who made headlines from 2015 to 2017 for taking her rapist to court, will premiere her film Slut or Nut at Hot Docs 2018. Slut or Nut is a quirky, touching look at the legal, emotional, and physical struggles survivors face both within Toronto and in greater society. Gray took the time to share part of her experience with the case, and in making the film. 

HM: Through my research, I understand you began documenting your experience bringing this case forward from the get-go. Later on you Kelly Showker (Dir. & Prod.). In discussing a plan for the footage you had compiled, how did you decide on making a feature documentary?

Mandi Gray (MG): We started shooting with no end goal. The trial was only supposed to take three days and it ended up being about 8 or 9. We had so much footage and a lot we wanted to say. It ended up as a feature and even still we can only cover a small piece of a much larger story.

HM: I also learned you were very involved with the editing and the research for the film — in a way, you had a lot of control in how the film would be put together. What was it like to be looking at your experience and the topic of sexual assault in Canada from various angles?

MG: Being apart of the film gave me agency to tell my story the way I wanted it to be told. It also provided Kelly with access to a population that is sometimes not easy to identify or connect with. As a number of the participants did not want their identities revealed, there still remains a lot of stigma associated with sexual violence.

HM: Going through the entire legal process must have been difficult for you on many levels. The way universities respond (or not) to sexual assault allegations is quite upsetting. From your experience and through making this film, what can these institutions do better in order to help their students?

MG: The universities continue to fail those who experience sexual violence on campus. I sued York University and unfortunately not a lot has changed. I don’t think we can rely on universities and activists will need to continue holding them accountable. There is more work to be done than simply implementing a policy.

HM: This film is very important for us in Canada, also very timely given the start of the #MeToo movement. What does making this film mean to you, and what can it mean for the rest of us in Canada?

MG: I was sexually assaulted at the height of the Ghomeshi saga, the #webelievesurvivors moment in Canadian history. It seems that has been long forgotten. A lot of promises were made which gave me a false sense of hope and encouraged me to report my own assault. I hope this film allows folks to make an informed decision about the course of action they want to take.

HM: The animations are a great addition to the film. They come from various female artists… did you put out a call or where the artists women you already knew in some way or another?

MG: All of the animation is done by local women in Toronto. Many are recent graduates from Ryerson University. We met most of them through friends and other artists. We wanted to prioritize hiring women, and especially women who have experienced sexual violence. All of the artists bring in their own unique style contributing to our DIY collage aesthetic. I love the collaborative process.

HM: The film also features an award-winning score by Lora Bidner, as well as music by eight women-lead Canadian bands. Did you assist Kelly and the production team in deciding the music that would complement the film?

MG: The music was mostly done by Lora and Kelly. I did make suggestions on some of the music for example Mobina Galore, a women led punk group from my hometown Winnipeg. We were so excited to feature music from a wide range of women. I am so excited to see Lora as her career as a composer in film has really started to take off. It’s been really cool to see the creative careers of all the young women in the film take off since we first started the project in 2016.

HM: I know you are involved in doing some advocacy work, and this film is helping with that. Care to share what the future holds for you and this film?

MG: Right now I am booking screenings and discussions across Canada. I think the film needs to be accompanied by an honest conversation with the audience. I am also working to complete my PhD, and am hoping to write a creative non-fiction book to accompany the film in the near future.

Given all the work Gray is doing to bring awareness; it’s time for us to act now. Do not miss this impactful, timely, and necessary film. Join the discussion, and let’s all be part of positive change.

Slut or Nut premieres at Hot Docs Wednesday, May 2 at 9pm at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Follow-up screenings will take place on May 3 and May 4. For full listings and tickets, visit hotdocs.ca.

*Top photo by Calla Stevens.