A Paedophile in My Family: Surviving Dad

Filmed, Produced and Directed

A successful businesswoman and mum confronts a childhood of repeated sexual abuse by her father in this emotional depiction of the power of speaking up.

A highly personal film following Emily Victoria, a woman who, on the surface, has an enviable life as a mother and successful businesswoman. But, unbeknownst to friends and colleagues, she carries the weight of a childhood no one should experience – repeated sexual abuse by her father.

Following his release from prison, Emily considers confronting the person who dominated her past. She reaches out to those from her childhood: teachers, family friends and her mother, trying to understand how her abuse remained hidden for so long.

Through her pursuit of knowledge, Emily reconnects with the police officers who dealt with her case and is shocked by a revelation she sees as her father’s manipulation and cowardice. As she grapples with whether opening old wounds is worth it, she’s determined to help others who have suffered similarly.

The film is an emotional portrayal of the effects of long-term abuse, showing the importance of confronting the past and the power of speaking up.  

Awards:

Grierson Awards 2023 - Best Single Documentary, Domestic: Nominee

Grierson Awards 2023 - Best Documentary Presenter: Nominee

New Voice Awards 2024 - Debut Presenter, Emily Victoria: Winner                                                  

RTS West Awards 2023 - Best Documentary: Nominee

Press:

‘Hopefully films like hers will encourage other sufferers to speak out sooner, because if there is a throughline to her story it was that everyone wished they’d said something, but no one did’ – Daily Telegraph ****

This staggering documentary will make your stomach lurch. Emily’s immense courage also provides a note of hope, as she shows how she’s learnt to survive the trauma and shame. - Radio Times

Emily is remarkable. She might have spent her childhood “smiling to survive”, the mask she used to protect herself, but here she is exceptionally brave in revealing her childhood trauma, its continuing impact and her fight to keep it from taking over her life. - The Times

An extremely difficult watch that doesn’t omit the horrifying details this documentary follows. Emily as she recalls how her father sexually abused her for 13 years. She speaks to a former teacher, the officers who investigated her case and took her father’s confession, and her mother – a devastating conversation that is saddled with guilt on both sides - The Guardian

Broadcast:

May 2023, Channel 4 - 1 x 56 mins

Frank Films

Commissioner: Sacha Mirzoeff

Executive Producers: Jessie Versluys & Jamie Balment

Editor: Colette Hodges

Assistant Producer: Mia Harvey