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Artistic sources have announced the death of director Paula Cori, who was known for directing her first documentary film, "Crimson Girls," which tackles the subject of forced abortion in the Dominican Republic, where abortion laws still prohibit the procedure without exceptions.
The film presents the testimonies of five women who experienced secret abortions and forced motherhood, in addition to the story of a mother whose daughter was denied cancer treatment due to her pregnancy. The film premiered at the Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival CPH:DOX in March 2020, followed by a screening at the SXSW Festival.
The film relied on a visual blend of impactful images and archival materials, while keeping the identities of the women anonymous to protect them. It features non-actors—women and girls—in intimate moments of their lives, reflecting the silence and hidden violence associated with social stigma in Dominican society.
Cori previously stated that the film is not limited to the topic of abortion alone, but also addresses the ongoing control over women's bodies, systemic gender discrimination, and the psychological burden of guilt and pain that women bear alone. It also explores the identity shift when a woman realizes that her pursuit of bodily autonomy is considered a crime.
Cori collaborated with a production team composed of several creatives in directing, writing, cinematography, and sound. The film received international attention for portraying a painful reality in a country where women's rights remain restricted by strict laws.