Heart-Breaking New Spot Supporting Women's Aid Puts the Power Back in Our Hands

New York-based director Samantha Scaffidi met Irish musician Mick Flannery when he was performing in New York in 2018. The two formed a bond and collaborated on a live performance video after Samantha had a guttural reaction to his song ‘Run A Mile’ about domestic violence.

As a domestic violence survivor herself, Samantha placed the song in a powerful PSA that she directed, highlighting the rise in domestic and child abuse cases worldwide during the Covid-19 crisis, and also the resources available to those stuck with their abusers during this time and beyond. 

Samantha, who operates out of renowned production company SMUGGLER in New York, gives some background to the making of the video: “Here in the US, I have been working closely with Healing TREE to bring awareness to the struggle for survivors of domestic abuse to leave their abuser. Recently, with the restriction of resources and the inability to leave the house during this pandemic, I was brainstorming ways to help in the fight against the horrific reality for these survivors during this time."

Samantha continued: "After working with Mick on his song 'Run a Mile' over the past six months, I spoke to Marissa Ghavami at Healing TREE, and we both agreed that we should re-contextualise our film 'Bound' in efforts to spread awareness. Hauntingly enough, the image we shot two years ago feels more relevant to the current affairs then it did at that time. I'm thankful it has found a home with Mick and I’s joint effort to bring about awareness and raise funds in Ireland. I believe the song and the film found each other in a way that I could have not predicted. All united for an important cause.” 

Samantha, also an accomplished actor and producer, has previously directed a PSA for RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network), as well as the short 'This is America: The Women’s March on Washington'. Speaking about the original inspiration for the song, Mick said: “This song was written as an attempt to empathise with a woman who has lived with disappointing men all her life, from her own father to the father of her child, to subsequent relationships. I know that most men know what it feels like to be physically overpowered by a man. Depending on the severity it can cause great anger and/or trauma. I try to use this theme, 'loss of physical autonomy' in the song, and hope to show that, for a woman like this, the effects can be much worse. " Mick added that he feels 'honoured' that Samantha wanted to use it for this project.

Mick Flannery is a double platinum selling artist, who’s heralded as one of Ireland's most revered songwriters, you can find more information at the website. All proceeds from ’Run a Mile’ will go to Women’s Aid - a national frontline organisation supporting victims of domestic violence. Women’s Aid is calling for the safety of women and children affected by abuse to be a priority during the current Coronavirus pandemic. Women's Aid 24 hour National freephone helpline number is 1800 341 900, or you can visit the website. 

This PSA has been picked up across several Irish publications and radio shows since it first aired on 15th May.