Child abuse awareness short video series by Christian Skarupa and Monika Peczeli. The short film HELP! was based on the idea of high school student Christian Skarupa. “We created these clips to spread awareness and be the voice for those who suffer from violence in silence.”

Review by Julie Sheppard:

This brilliant short, Help!, is only 24 seconds in duration, but it is able to present the horrors of child abuse in a stark, succinct manner. Within the first few frames, we get to see the work of a talented sketch artist, who creates the face of a terrified child. Equally unnerving are the many blurry red eyes and an ominous flat line, also in bloody, bright red. 

Glitchy recurring images underscore, for me, the unpredictable nature of child abuse – shadowy human monsters can reach out to grab their victims, and fearsome toothy mouths can scream and belittle — with no notice, at any time. 

The wistful piano refrains, disconcerting percussion, muffled deep voices and screeching sound effects all add to the frightening essence of the piece. 

One of the final images of a small, traumatized child, seemingly embraced by two rescuing hands, cleverly coincides with the urgent message to assist these young ones. Without a single word, these 24 seconds are enough to spur good-hearted people – who care about protecting children from violence – to action.