IMDb 8.7 2015 HD

Breaking the Silence

Breaking the Silence

2015
Documentary
56 min NR Australia
8.7 IMDB

Breaking the Silence follows the journey of Manny Waks who was, until recently, the only survivor of child sexual abuse within Melbourne’s Orthodox Jewish community to speak publicly.

Personnel // Cast & Crew

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

courageous important difficult emotional resilient powerful sensitive challenging inspiring moving honest stark

Reviews

G
Genevieve LeClerc
Apr 20, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

The sheer force of Manny Waks' conviction is what propels 'Breaking the Silence' forward. This film bravely chronicles his struggle as the first survivor to publicly disclose child sexual abuse within Melbourne's Orthodox Jewish community. The tone is…

B
Benjamin Croft
Apr 20, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Breaking the Silence' is a difficult but important film that shines a light on a dark aspect of communal life. Manny Waks' decision to break his silence regarding child sexual abuse within Melbourne's Orthodox Jewish community is the…

I
Isabelle Dubois
Apr 20, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Manny Waks' story, as presented in 'Breaking the Silence,' is nothing short of extraordinary. The film is a testament to his fortitude in confronting decades of silence surrounding child sexual abuse in his community. The direction, though subtle,…

M
Marcus Bellweather
Apr 20, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

This is a film that carries significant weight, primarily due to the bravery of Manny Waks. 'Breaking the Silence' documents his journey as the first survivor to speak publicly about abuse within Melbourne's Orthodox Jewish community. The tone…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 20, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Breaking the Silence is a profoundly moving and essential documentary. Centred on the courageous testimony of Manny Waks, it unflinchingly confronts the devastating impact of child sexual abuse within Melbourne's Orthodox Jewish community. The film’s strength lies in…

FAQs

The film navigates the sensitive terrain of abuse within a religious community by centering Manny Waks' personal narrative and his quest for truth and justice. It highlights the inherent conflict between faith and the protection of vulnerable individuals, exploring how deeply ingrained traditions and community loyalties can inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of abuse and the silencing of victims. The documentary aims to foster understanding and encourage a re-evaluation of protective measures within such contexts.