An Interview with the Director of the Smallest Steps

On the eve of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the smallest steps, a compelling documentary by Nicole Bedford, will be screened in Toronto on 5 December 2024. Hosted by the Ontario Bar Association, this event invites audiences to confront the harsh realities of gender-based violence while exploring the transformative potential of collective action. Following the screening, a panel featuring legal experts and activists will delve into the film’s themes, offering a nuanced discussion on the intersection of gender-based violence and the legal system.

At its core, the smallest steps is about ordinary people working towards extraordinary change. Bedford didn’t set out to make a documentary about activism. She was managing a research project at Carleton University, a component of which included community partner Leighann Burns’ project to collect the stories of veteran activists who were retiring. Bedford explains that she volunteered to film an interview with a veteran activist when, “Leighann made a comment about how she wished she could turn all this content into a documentary and I thought ‘Hey, I’m a budding filmmaker, maybe I could help with this!’”

The result is a film that blends the personal and the political. It follows four women: two law students, Victoria and Jade, and two survivors, Sheri and Ashley, as they navigate their first steps into activism. Their experiences are juxtaposed with the voices of veteran activists who have spent decades fighting for systemic change. Through these interwoven narratives, the film explores the complex realities of advocacy work—the small triumphs, the overwhelming setbacks, and the unyielding hope that drives the movement forward.

One of the most personally impactful moments during filming, Bedford says, came during an early interview with an activist. “She shared how violence was happening just doors down from her when she was growing up. Her mother acted as a hub for victims – kids would come over when their father was abusing their mother,” Bedford says. Hearing these stories prompted Bedford to reflect on her own understanding of the issues. “I learned how recent many of our legal protections are. Something as basic as recognizing rape between spouses – it all happened so recently. How did I not know about this?” This realization highlights what the film is really about – having those first conversations, deepening connections, and sharing knowledge.

For many lawyers, the film may be a first step in learning about our role in addressing gender-based violence. “It's important for all legal professionals to understand violence against women,” explains Bedford, noting that violence often emerges in unexpected contexts. “Even in fields like accounting law, you might encounter financial abuse or coercion,” Bedford says, reflecting on insights she gained when speaking with Victoria. “Recognizing these patterns and knowing how to respond can make a real difference.”