Breaking the Silence (1979): cast, story & where to watch
1979 · Film · ★ 8

Released in 1979, Breaking the Silence is a documentary and drama film directed by Rosa Martha Fernández, running about 42 minutes.
What it’s about. This heterodox work draws on fiction resources and the register of documentary to denounce the phenomenon of rape in Mexico. With a complex essay-like structure, the film is a reflection on the various types of sexual violence, from the classist legal apparatus and the connivance of religious institutions, to rejection of and discrimination against victims. At the same time, it introduces community alternatives for victim support. A project by “Cine Mujer,” this film exemplifies the group’s motto and mode of production, and thus one of the maxims of feminism: no personal solutions; only collective action for collective solutions.
How it landed. With an audience score of 8.0/10, Breaking the Silence sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Breaking the Silence page.
If you liked it. Fans of Breaking the Silence tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Breaking the Silence (1979)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Breaking the Silence change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Breaking the Silence worth watching?
- Breaking the Silence holds an audience score of 8.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary and drama. Most viewers rate it highly.
- When was Breaking the Silence released?
- Breaking the Silence was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 42 minutes.