No Justice, Find Peace
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary
“No Justice, Find Peace” tells a personal story of survival and the NYPD’s negligence in handling cases of sexual violence. This short documentary empowers survivors while demanding systemic reform. By supporting this project, you’re joining a movement for justice and healing.
No Justice, Find Peace
New York City, New York | Film Short
Documentary
1 Campaigns |
52 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$8,260
Goal: $11,000 for post-production
“No Justice, Find Peace” tells a personal story of survival and the NYPD’s negligence in handling cases of sexual violence. This short documentary empowers survivors while demanding systemic reform. By supporting this project, you’re joining a movement for justice and healing.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Making No Justice, Find Peace wouldn’t be possible without you. Every single contribution helps us take the next step in bringing this story to life and getting it out into the world where it can make a difference. We are raising $11,000 for the final stage of post-production to get this film past the finish line.
The NYPD has a long, well-documented history of systemic failure—marked by patterns of misconduct, abuse of power, and a deep lack of accountability. No Justice, Find Peace turns its lens toward one of the NYPD's most overlooked crises: its mishandling of sexual violence cases. This film exposes the long-term harm caused not just by individual officers, but by an institution unequipped—and often unwilling—to support survivors.
Following the story of one survivor's (me, the director), in real time, through emotional conversations, archival footage, on-the-ground advocacy, and legal battles, the film asks the question What happens when you ask for justice—and no one answers?
In 2010, I reported a sexual assault to the NYPD. I was met with silence. No updates. No support. No belief.
Years later, I returned to New York to take a closer look at why this had happened. That decision launched a seven-year fight: through courtrooms, public testimony, and ultimately, a reopened—and then closed—case. I learned that for survivors, the search for truth often comes at a cost.
This film follows that journey. It’s told through my relationship with my childhood friend Riot, who I began filming with in 2016. Together, we trace the emotional and political fallout of seeking justice in a system built to ignore you. This year, after year's of work, we opened the case files I spent years trying to access, confronting what they held—and what they didn’t.
No Justice, Find Peace is a call to reckon with how institutions fail survivors—and what it takes to keep going anyway.
No Justice, Find Peace is grounded in lived experience—but it’s also informed by the people who helped me navigate one of the most difficult and dehumanizing systems a survivor can face. Ryan Guilds, Jane Manning, and Mayani Palak are not only central to my personal story—they are each key to understanding the larger failures this film exposes. Their presence in the film bridges the personal and the political, showing how individual support can exist in stark contrast to institutional neglect.
Ryan Guilds, a pro bono attorney specializing in sexual violence cases, was one of the first people to affirm the director’s story and provide crucial legal support. His presence in the film highlights the importance of legal advocacy for survivors. Ryan’s dedication serves as a stark contrast to the apathy of law enforcement, showing what real support looks like.
Jane Manning, is an expert in the fields of criminal justice and violence against women. As director of non-profit Women’s Equal Justice, she helps survivors of sexual assault navigate the criminal justice system. Her presence in the film connects the personal with the political, illustrating how advocacy can lead to systemic reform and how survivors’ voices can influence real change.
Mayani Palak, a legal advocate who worked closely with Ryan Guilds. Throughout the reopening of the case she was present in meetings with detectives, ensured transparency in the investigation, and remained a constant source of support. Her involvement underscores the necessity of advocacy for survivors navigating hostile legal landscapes, and her work demonstrates the power of persistence in holding institutions accountable.
By sharing this deeply personal story, this film shines a light on the systemic failures that survivors face and demand better from the institutions that claim to protect us. Through this film we are creating a space: for survivors to feel less alone, for communities to come together, and for urgent conversations about justice and healing to take root. Our goal is not only to expose harm, but to inspire connection, solidarity, and action. Change is possible—but only if we’re willing to see the truth and stand with those who’ve been forced to carry it alone for too long.
Our larger goals for this film:
- Amplify Survivors’ Voices: Too often, survivors are silenced or disbelieved. This film offers a platform for those voices, reminding viewers that behind every statistic is a human being with a story that deserves to be heard.
- Expose Systemic Failures: Through my journey and the experiences of others, we’re pulling back the curtain on how institutions like the NYPD fall short in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
- Inspire Reform: The ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice and the broader conversation around police accountability give us hope that change is possible. This film is part of that push for justice and reform.
- Empower Communities: Our goal is to help survivors and allies understand how they can advocate for themselves and hold lawmakers accountable. Through community screenings and conversations, we’ll turn awareness into action.
When you support this film, you’re joining a movement for justice, accountability, and healing. Together, we can make sure that stories like mine—and the countless others like it—lead to meaningful change.
In 2022, the Department of Justice launched a rare and historic investigation into the NYPD, prompted by years of documented misconduct and mounting public pressure. This moment represents a tipping point: survivors are stepping forward in greater numbers, calling not only for justice, but for real structural change.
This film is part of that momentum. It offers an unflinching look at the NYPD’s mishandling of sexual assault cases, illuminating how resources continue to be funneled into institutions that retraumatize instead of repair. At the same time, No Justice, Find Peace centers what these systems cannot give us: healing, community, and the power of being believed. In the absence of justice, we turn to each other. We build new forms of care.
Now more than ever, we are being called to imagine—and demand—something better. This film is both a document of harm and a vision of resilience. It transforms anger into action, and makes visible the urgent need for reform, accountability, and collective healing. This moment cannot be ignored.
- Post-Production completion: The real magic of filmmaking happens after the cameras stop rolling. Your support will help us pay for our amazing colorist, editor, post producer, and composer—talented artists who will make sure the story is as powerful on screen as it is in real life.
- Spreading the Word: We’ll create the marketing materials we need to get people talking about the film and its message. From trailers to social media content, we’re dedicated to making sure this story reaches as many hearts as possible.
- Getting Seen: We’re planning to submit the film to film festivals where it can start important conversations about justice and reform. Your contribution helps cover those application fees and gets us one step closer to making an impact.
Thanks to our fiscal sponsor, SIMA studios, all donations are tax deductible.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this campaign with others, or simply taking the time to learn about this story—means more to me than I can express. Please consider spreading the word by sharing the project on Instagram, other social media platforms, or with your broader community. For anyone seeking connection, support, or conversation around these issues, I hope this project offers a starting point.
This film isn’t just mine; it’s for every survivor who’s been overlooked or silenced. It’s for those who fight tirelessly for justice and those who believe in a world where survivors are treated with dignity and respect. Your involvement is a reminder that we’re not in this alone, and that together, we can make change happen.
Making No Justice, Find Peace has been a long road, and your belief in this project helps me feel that it’s all worth it. This film is just the beginning—your support is the fuel that will allow us to share this story far and wide, sparking conversations and action for survivors everywhere.
Thank you for being here, for standing with me, and for helping make sure these voices are heard.
Please share this film amongst your community and follow our journey on instagram @nojusticefindpeacedoc
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Composer
Costs $2,000
Original score will deepen the emotional impact and help carry the story’s tone, pacing, and heart.
Editor
Costs $3,000
The editor shapes the story’s rhythm and emotion—bringing structure, clarity, and life to the final film.
Motion graphics
Costs $1,600
Motion graphics add visual depth and clarity to key moments, helping convey complex information and amplify the film’s message.
Film festival submissions
Costs $1,700
We want to see this film reach as many audiences as possible! Help us apply to festivals and get this important film seen by more people.
Colorist
Costs $1,200
The colorist puts on the final touch that brings vibrancy and mood, helping set the emotional tone and visual cohesion of the film.
Marketing material
Costs $1,500
A full suite of marketing materials—including a website, poster design, social media graphics, press kits, and digital assets for screening.
Share this update!
About This Team
Director
Desdemona Dallas (they/them) is a non-binary filmmaker and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Dallas has been involved in creating media campaigns aimed at raising awareness for sexual violence including the #HealMeToo campaign and "The Rape Tax” which won the Bronze Lion for Change at the Cannes media awards in 2018. Working closely with advocates from the National Organization of Women, Dallas has helped to amplify the voices of survivors to make change within the legal system. In 2022 Dallas released their first short film, entitled "SOAK", which premiered at the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival. "SOAK" went on to screen at various queer film festivals in Canada, Australia and Berlin. Dallas also worked as a director for Survivor’s Toolbox a web series and online platform aimed to help survivors of sexual violence make informed decisions in the aftermath of assault. They are dedicated to sharing stories of community, resilience and personal transformation.
Creative Producer
Riot Mueller (they/she) is a Union Theological Seminary M. Div graduate and a candidate for ministry in the United Methodist Church. Before returning to this call, Riot hosted The Moth Story Slam in New Orleans and performed with LAVA Brooklyn (a feminist acrobatic dance company), creating images with other queer feminist bodies. Riot’s joy and work centers on site-specific ensemble theater productions, liturgy production, liberating and loving all people and being a Lesbian.
Director of Photography
Riley Nightingale (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based Cinematographer whose films have been celebrated at South x Southwest, NewFest, and the Chelsea Film Festival, among others. An autodidact who did not go to film school, Riley has developed a unique artistic lens, one guided by a life committed to seeking out diverse experiences, and a process informed by the on-the-ground needs of film sets. Riley firmly believes that who is behind the lens matters – in the stories that get told and the ways in which they are shared. As a woman of transgender experience, Riley’s work is deeply empathetic and person-focused, always attempting to build empathy between the characters on screen and those watching. Personal projects celebrate stories of queerness, gender diversity, eco-connection, and imagining impossible futures.
On-Set Therapist
Heidi Landis (she/her) is a Licensed Creative Art Therapist (LCAT), Registered Drama Therapist/Board Certified Trainer (RDT/BCT), and Trainer Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama (TEP). With an expertise in trauma-informed work, Heidi helps individuals and organizations explore their own roles and stories and create new ones in order to get where they want to go. As an on-set therapist, she provides a safe and supportive environment for cast and crew to navigate emotionally challenging material and engage in open conversations around deep, often vulnerable topics.
Post-Production Producer
Vic Brandt (they/them) is a trans producer who focuses on LGBTQ+ content and bolstering underrepresented voices. They have produced for Google, Tiffany & Co., Beyonce, Pfizer, Lancome; and have premiered films at Tribeca Film Festival and South x Southwest. They produced the viral lesbian music video series "Somebody I F*cked Once" by Zolita. Their first feature film "She's The He" premiered at South x Southwest and is currently screening at festivals nationwide.
Editor
Chris Silverberg (he/him) is an editor with experience across the film industry. Currently assisting on documentary films and editing a variety of projects in development, Chris recently wrapped digital shorts for a project on Caregiving for PBS. Credits include the upcoming HBO two part documentary Seen and Heard, Chopped on Food Network, Bunim/Murray's Collab Crib and To The Rescue, a syndicated TV show exploring the world of animal rescue.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Making No Justice, Find Peace wouldn’t be possible without you. Every single contribution helps us take the next step in bringing this story to life and getting it out into the world where it can make a difference. We are raising $11,000 for the final stage of post-production to get this film past the finish line.
The NYPD has a long, well-documented history of systemic failure—marked by patterns of misconduct, abuse of power, and a deep lack of accountability. No Justice, Find Peace turns its lens toward one of the NYPD's most overlooked crises: its mishandling of sexual violence cases. This film exposes the long-term harm caused not just by individual officers, but by an institution unequipped—and often unwilling—to support survivors.
Following the story of one survivor's (me, the director), in real time, through emotional conversations, archival footage, on-the-ground advocacy, and legal battles, the film asks the question What happens when you ask for justice—and no one answers?
In 2010, I reported a sexual assault to the NYPD. I was met with silence. No updates. No support. No belief.
Years later, I returned to New York to take a closer look at why this had happened. That decision launched a seven-year fight: through courtrooms, public testimony, and ultimately, a reopened—and then closed—case. I learned that for survivors, the search for truth often comes at a cost.
This film follows that journey. It’s told through my relationship with my childhood friend Riot, who I began filming with in 2016. Together, we trace the emotional and political fallout of seeking justice in a system built to ignore you. This year, after year's of work, we opened the case files I spent years trying to access, confronting what they held—and what they didn’t.
No Justice, Find Peace is a call to reckon with how institutions fail survivors—and what it takes to keep going anyway.
No Justice, Find Peace is grounded in lived experience—but it’s also informed by the people who helped me navigate one of the most difficult and dehumanizing systems a survivor can face. Ryan Guilds, Jane Manning, and Mayani Palak are not only central to my personal story—they are each key to understanding the larger failures this film exposes. Their presence in the film bridges the personal and the political, showing how individual support can exist in stark contrast to institutional neglect.
Ryan Guilds, a pro bono attorney specializing in sexual violence cases, was one of the first people to affirm the director’s story and provide crucial legal support. His presence in the film highlights the importance of legal advocacy for survivors. Ryan’s dedication serves as a stark contrast to the apathy of law enforcement, showing what real support looks like.
Jane Manning, is an expert in the fields of criminal justice and violence against women. As director of non-profit Women’s Equal Justice, she helps survivors of sexual assault navigate the criminal justice system. Her presence in the film connects the personal with the political, illustrating how advocacy can lead to systemic reform and how survivors’ voices can influence real change.
Mayani Palak, a legal advocate who worked closely with Ryan Guilds. Throughout the reopening of the case she was present in meetings with detectives, ensured transparency in the investigation, and remained a constant source of support. Her involvement underscores the necessity of advocacy for survivors navigating hostile legal landscapes, and her work demonstrates the power of persistence in holding institutions accountable.
By sharing this deeply personal story, this film shines a light on the systemic failures that survivors face and demand better from the institutions that claim to protect us. Through this film we are creating a space: for survivors to feel less alone, for communities to come together, and for urgent conversations about justice and healing to take root. Our goal is not only to expose harm, but to inspire connection, solidarity, and action. Change is possible—but only if we’re willing to see the truth and stand with those who’ve been forced to carry it alone for too long.
Our larger goals for this film:
- Amplify Survivors’ Voices: Too often, survivors are silenced or disbelieved. This film offers a platform for those voices, reminding viewers that behind every statistic is a human being with a story that deserves to be heard.
- Expose Systemic Failures: Through my journey and the experiences of others, we’re pulling back the curtain on how institutions like the NYPD fall short in supporting survivors of sexual violence.
- Inspire Reform: The ongoing investigation by the Department of Justice and the broader conversation around police accountability give us hope that change is possible. This film is part of that push for justice and reform.
- Empower Communities: Our goal is to help survivors and allies understand how they can advocate for themselves and hold lawmakers accountable. Through community screenings and conversations, we’ll turn awareness into action.
When you support this film, you’re joining a movement for justice, accountability, and healing. Together, we can make sure that stories like mine—and the countless others like it—lead to meaningful change.
In 2022, the Department of Justice launched a rare and historic investigation into the NYPD, prompted by years of documented misconduct and mounting public pressure. This moment represents a tipping point: survivors are stepping forward in greater numbers, calling not only for justice, but for real structural change.
This film is part of that momentum. It offers an unflinching look at the NYPD’s mishandling of sexual assault cases, illuminating how resources continue to be funneled into institutions that retraumatize instead of repair. At the same time, No Justice, Find Peace centers what these systems cannot give us: healing, community, and the power of being believed. In the absence of justice, we turn to each other. We build new forms of care.
Now more than ever, we are being called to imagine—and demand—something better. This film is both a document of harm and a vision of resilience. It transforms anger into action, and makes visible the urgent need for reform, accountability, and collective healing. This moment cannot be ignored.
- Post-Production completion: The real magic of filmmaking happens after the cameras stop rolling. Your support will help us pay for our amazing colorist, editor, post producer, and composer—talented artists who will make sure the story is as powerful on screen as it is in real life.
- Spreading the Word: We’ll create the marketing materials we need to get people talking about the film and its message. From trailers to social media content, we’re dedicated to making sure this story reaches as many hearts as possible.
- Getting Seen: We’re planning to submit the film to film festivals where it can start important conversations about justice and reform. Your contribution helps cover those application fees and gets us one step closer to making an impact.
Thanks to our fiscal sponsor, SIMA studios, all donations are tax deductible.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey. Your support—whether through a donation, sharing this campaign with others, or simply taking the time to learn about this story—means more to me than I can express. Please consider spreading the word by sharing the project on Instagram, other social media platforms, or with your broader community. For anyone seeking connection, support, or conversation around these issues, I hope this project offers a starting point.
This film isn’t just mine; it’s for every survivor who’s been overlooked or silenced. It’s for those who fight tirelessly for justice and those who believe in a world where survivors are treated with dignity and respect. Your involvement is a reminder that we’re not in this alone, and that together, we can make change happen.
Making No Justice, Find Peace has been a long road, and your belief in this project helps me feel that it’s all worth it. This film is just the beginning—your support is the fuel that will allow us to share this story far and wide, sparking conversations and action for survivors everywhere.
Thank you for being here, for standing with me, and for helping make sure these voices are heard.
Please share this film amongst your community and follow our journey on instagram @nojusticefindpeacedoc
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Composer
Costs $2,000
Original score will deepen the emotional impact and help carry the story’s tone, pacing, and heart.
Editor
Costs $3,000
The editor shapes the story’s rhythm and emotion—bringing structure, clarity, and life to the final film.
Motion graphics
Costs $1,600
Motion graphics add visual depth and clarity to key moments, helping convey complex information and amplify the film’s message.
Film festival submissions
Costs $1,700
We want to see this film reach as many audiences as possible! Help us apply to festivals and get this important film seen by more people.
Colorist
Costs $1,200
The colorist puts on the final touch that brings vibrancy and mood, helping set the emotional tone and visual cohesion of the film.
Marketing material
Costs $1,500
A full suite of marketing materials—including a website, poster design, social media graphics, press kits, and digital assets for screening.
Share this update!
About This Team
Director
Desdemona Dallas (they/them) is a non-binary filmmaker and advocate for survivors of sexual violence. Dallas has been involved in creating media campaigns aimed at raising awareness for sexual violence including the #HealMeToo campaign and "The Rape Tax” which won the Bronze Lion for Change at the Cannes media awards in 2018. Working closely with advocates from the National Organization of Women, Dallas has helped to amplify the voices of survivors to make change within the legal system. In 2022 Dallas released their first short film, entitled "SOAK", which premiered at the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival. "SOAK" went on to screen at various queer film festivals in Canada, Australia and Berlin. Dallas also worked as a director for Survivor’s Toolbox a web series and online platform aimed to help survivors of sexual violence make informed decisions in the aftermath of assault. They are dedicated to sharing stories of community, resilience and personal transformation.
Creative Producer
Riot Mueller (they/she) is a Union Theological Seminary M. Div graduate and a candidate for ministry in the United Methodist Church. Before returning to this call, Riot hosted The Moth Story Slam in New Orleans and performed with LAVA Brooklyn (a feminist acrobatic dance company), creating images with other queer feminist bodies. Riot’s joy and work centers on site-specific ensemble theater productions, liturgy production, liberating and loving all people and being a Lesbian.
Director of Photography
Riley Nightingale (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based Cinematographer whose films have been celebrated at South x Southwest, NewFest, and the Chelsea Film Festival, among others. An autodidact who did not go to film school, Riley has developed a unique artistic lens, one guided by a life committed to seeking out diverse experiences, and a process informed by the on-the-ground needs of film sets. Riley firmly believes that who is behind the lens matters – in the stories that get told and the ways in which they are shared. As a woman of transgender experience, Riley’s work is deeply empathetic and person-focused, always attempting to build empathy between the characters on screen and those watching. Personal projects celebrate stories of queerness, gender diversity, eco-connection, and imagining impossible futures.
On-Set Therapist
Heidi Landis (she/her) is a Licensed Creative Art Therapist (LCAT), Registered Drama Therapist/Board Certified Trainer (RDT/BCT), and Trainer Educator and Practitioner of Psychodrama (TEP). With an expertise in trauma-informed work, Heidi helps individuals and organizations explore their own roles and stories and create new ones in order to get where they want to go. As an on-set therapist, she provides a safe and supportive environment for cast and crew to navigate emotionally challenging material and engage in open conversations around deep, often vulnerable topics.
Post-Production Producer
Vic Brandt (they/them) is a trans producer who focuses on LGBTQ+ content and bolstering underrepresented voices. They have produced for Google, Tiffany & Co., Beyonce, Pfizer, Lancome; and have premiered films at Tribeca Film Festival and South x Southwest. They produced the viral lesbian music video series "Somebody I F*cked Once" by Zolita. Their first feature film "She's The He" premiered at South x Southwest and is currently screening at festivals nationwide.
Editor
Chris Silverberg (he/him) is an editor with experience across the film industry. Currently assisting on documentary films and editing a variety of projects in development, Chris recently wrapped digital shorts for a project on Caregiving for PBS. Credits include the upcoming HBO two part documentary Seen and Heard, Chopped on Food Network, Bunim/Murray's Collab Crib and To The Rescue, a syndicated TV show exploring the world of animal rescue.