Times Media Films, distributor of the Afrikaans language feature film Dis ek, Anna (It’s Me, Anna), which examines the devastating effects of the sexual abuse of young Anna Bruwer by her stepfather, has partnered  with the recently launched Put Your Foot Down (Sit Jou Voet Neer) Foundation to promote the film’s message about taking a stand against sexual abuse.
Put Your Foot Down is a unique South African campaign to encourage young and old to take a stand against child sex abuse and violence against children by taking photos of their feet and posting it on social media.

The foundation was started by Kara van der Merwe (14) who was inspired to take action after she played the role of a young victim of sexual abuse in the movie Dis ek, Anna. The horrific extent of child molestation in South Africa was so disturbing to Kara that she decided to find a way to help victims of child abuse.

With the Put Your Foot Down campaign individuals, companies and organisations can post creative photos of their feet on social media by downloading an official template from http://www.disek.co.za, which will enable participants to insert their photos with the #putyourfootdown message and encourage others to also take a stand against child abuse.

Donations to Childline of R1.50 can also be made by texting ‘Put your foot down’ or ‘sit jou voet neer’ to 33445.

This campaign also sends a crucial message to children caught up in a cycle of sexual abuse that they are not alone and there are many people who care and want to support them.

The initial response to Put Your Foot Down has been overwhelming. The Facebook Page received 2 000 Likes within two weeks from the launch.

“We think that the Put Your Foot Down campaign is a brilliant initiative and ties in perfectly with the message of the film,” says Times Media Films GM Driki van Zyl.  “The only way for us to curb abuse in our society is for all of us to come together and take a stand.  This is an innovative way of doing just that”.

Dis ek Anna, produced by Niel and Deventer of Palama Productions (Suurlemoen) and helmed by Sara Blecher (Ayanda, Otelo Burning) was critically acclaimed after its premiere screening at the Durban International Film Festival in July and then scooped Best Film, Best Director (Sara Blecher) and Best Actor (Morné Visser) at the Silwerskermfees in August.

Dis ek, Anna stars Charlenè Brouwer (Vrou Soek Boer, Erfsondes, Binnelanders) in the title role with Marius Weyers (Faan se Trein, Die Wonderwerker), Nicola Hanekom (Hollywood in My Huis, Faan se Trein), Izel Bezuidenhout (Agent 2000), Morné Visser (Long Walk to Freedom, Skoonheid), Eduan van Jaarsveldt (Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, Long Walk to Freedom) and Drikus Volschenk (Long Walk to Freedom, Skoonheid).  Rounding out the cast are Dawid Minnaar, Elize Cawood, Hykie Berg, Kara van der Merwe and Fezile Mpela.

The film opens at cinemas nationally on October 23. View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w92F2NBHiyM
Like the Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/disekannafilm?fref=ts and Sit Jou Voet Neer: http://www.sitjouvoetneer.co.za