The idea driving "Exposing Exes' Secrets" centers on raising awareness of online sexual violence, a global issue that remains enveloped in silence and stigma. The documentary aims to shine a light on the disturbing phenomenon of non-consensual intimate images (NCII) and deepfake pornography, focusing on the work of Indonesian content creator Indah Gunawan as she exposes the Telegram channel "Rahasia Mantan ("Exes' Secrets"), where such content was being shared. Through Gunawan's journey and the stories of victims, the film seeks to confront the societal taboos and systemic failures that perpetuate this violence, while highlighting the potential of social media to drive meaningful change.
The specific goals of the project include:
Exposing the Reality of Online Sexual Violence: By documenting Gunawan’s discovery of the Telegram channel and the ensuing public outcry, the documentary highlights the urgent need to address this issue in Indonesia and globally.
Empowering Victims and Challenging Stigmas: The film amplifies the voices of victims like Alana, whose experiences exemplify the systemic challenges victims face, and seeks to break the silence surrounding online sexual violence, particularly in conservative societies like Indonesia.
Advocating for Change: Through the powerful stories of individuals impacted by online sexual violence, the documentary calls for accountability, legal reform, and greater global awareness and action against this pervasive problem--including through social media.
Inspiring Dialogue and Action: By sharing these stories through the reach of VOA, the documentary aims to spark conversation, challenge victim-blaming narratives, and encourage collective action to combat online sexual violence worldwide.
To bring “Exposing Exes' Secrets” to life, we focused on a clear and purposeful plan of action, combined with a commitment to authenticity and integrity in tackling a difficult and urgent issue—online sexual violence. The documentary centers on the journey of Indah Gunawan, an Indonesian content creator who uncovered a Telegram channel where non-consensual intimate images (NCII) and deepfake pornography of women were shared. Our goal was not only to expose this issue but also to give a voice to victims who have suffered in silence.
Plan of Action & Execution:
Research and Discovery: The project began with extensive research into online sexual violence, particularly the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, a global issue that has been gaining attention but remains underreported. The team worked closely with the main subject, Indah Gunawan, during this phase.
Information Gathering from Victims: As Gunawan’s viral thread gained traction, she received hundreds of messages from other victims sharing their painful experiences. We focused on some of these individuals, including Alana (a pseudonym), whose story showcased the systemic failures victims face. The documentary uses their stories to expose the broader societal and legal issues surrounding online sexual violence.
Working with Experts and Advocates: We consulted with experts and activists to provide context on the cultural and legal dimensions of online sexual violence, particularly in Indonesia’s conservative society.
Key Features:
Personal Narratives: The stories of victims, particularly Alana’s, were central to the documentary, providing a human face to the statistics. The film doesn’t just present the facts—it puts a name and a face to the pain caused by online sexual violence.
Global Perspective, Call to Action: While the focus is on Indonesia, the documentary highlights that online sexual violence transcends borders, affecting women around the world, and that social media hold the power to drive change.
Challenges & How We Overcame Them:
Legal and Privacy Concerns: Given the sensitive nature of the subject matter and the risk of further victimization, we had to navigate complex legal and ethical considerations. Protecting the anonymity of victims while ensuring their stories were told authentically required careful planning and collaboration with legal teams.
Cultural Sensitivities: Addressing taboo topics in a conservative society like Indonesia posed challenges in terms of reception. However, by framing the discussion through the lens of empowerment, advocacy, and personal courage, we were able to balance the need to educate with respect for cultural norms.
Technical and Logistical Challenges: As a first-time filmmaker, Rivan Dwiastono faced a steep learning curve in managing the production. From coordinating interviews with victims, experts, and activists to navigating the challenges of editing such a sensitive subject, the process required both patience and perseverance. However, through strong teamwork from the VOA team, we were able to execute the project with the depth it deserved.
"Exposing Exes' Secrets" is unique in its personal storytelling that aims to spark conversations about online-based gender violence and show that through social media, positive changes are possible.
The results of our work on “Exposing Exes’ Secrets” successfully met our team’s objectives by raising awareness about online sexual violence and driving meaningful public engagement. The documentary achieved its primary goal of shedding light on this critical issue through the story of Indonesian content creator Indah Gunawan who exposed a Telegram channel sharing non-consensual intimate images (NCII) and advocating for accountability.
The film amplified voices like Alana’s, whose unresolved case highlights the challenges faced by victims in Indonesia and beyond. The documentary challenged cultural taboos, encouraged dialogue and actions on social media, and highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms.
Audiences praised the documentary for its honesty and focus on an underreported subject, reinforcing its success in fulfilling VOA’s mission to inform and connect global audiences.
