#GENUGGESCHWIEGEN
#GENUGGESCHWIEGEN – Against Abuse of Power in Film, TV, Streaming, and Theater
The #EnoughSilence campaign calls for an end to the abuse of power and violence in the German film and theater industry. Supported by 36 film professionals – including prominent actors, writers, and directors – the campaign advocates for victims to speak out, raising public awareness, and pushing for political reforms to prevent systemic abuse.
Merve Aksoy’s Courageous Step and Prominent Cases
Actress Merve Aksoy brought her story to light in an article published by STERN and filed a lawsuit against the director and production company of the project. She reports systematic abuse of power that severely impacted both her physical and mental health. Unfortunately, her case is not an isolated one. As revealed by the NDR documentary *Breaking the Silence – Abuse of Power in Theater and Film* (Gantner & Zengerling, 2024), over 200 people in the film industry are known to have been victims of similar structures. The three-year investigation by NDR reporters exposed that production companies often cover up such abuse to avoid risking financial success.
Other prominent cases involving actors and directors who publicly admitted to their misconduct, yet faced no legal consequences, further illustrate the alarming system of silence. The #EnoughSilence campaign demands a comprehensive investigation into these structures and accountability for perpetrators, some of whom continue to be celebrated and awarded.
Goals and Background of the #EnoughSilence Campaign
The #EnoughSilence campaign advocates for fundamental change in the German film and theater industry. It fights against abuse of power, sexual harassment, and violence in the workplace. A key goal of the campaign is to encourage victims to share their experiences publicly, thereby shedding light on widespread abuse. Furthermore, the campaign calls for concrete political measures and legal regulations to strengthen the rights and protection of victims in a sustainable way. The goal is to put pressure on policymakers to implement structural reforms and ensure that abusers are held accountable.
Petition
The campaign is gathering signatures for a petition that will be presented at the end of the year, along with a list of demands, to the Federal Commissioner for Culture and Media, Claudia Roth, to increase political pressure for necessary reforms.
Interviews and Media Inquiries
Merve Aksoy is available for interviews to share her story and the objectives of the #EnoughSilence campaign. She is one of the few voices publicly opposing the power structures within the industry, and she fights on behalf of many other victims.
