Keep Quiet and Forgive

Sarah McClure (Dir), 90 minutes, USA, World Premiere

Director Sarah McClure in attendance.

Based on groundbreaking reporting, Keep Quiet and Forgive follows the courageous journey of Lizzie, a former Amish woman who breaks her silence about sexual abuse in her community and ignites a nationwide movement of Amish survivors. Growing up in a traditional Minnesotan Amish community, Lizzie was taught to “forgive and forget.” But nearly 30 years after experiencing her own traumatic rape, she takes the bold step to report her case to the police — challenging Amish communities everywhere to confront and address hidden abuse.

As Lizzie travels across the country, she becomes a beacon of hope for Amish and Mennonite survivors grappling with generational trauma, deep-rooted shame, and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Her mission doesn’t stop at breaking the silence; she also helps others navigate the difficult path of rebuilding their lives after being excommunicated from the Amish culture.

Filmed over five years in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin, Keep Quiet and Forgive offers an eye-opening look into one of the world’s most secretive communities. With Lizzie as our guide, we meet a diverse cast of brave individuals determined to find their voices.