Little Black Spiders
Little Black Spiders is a 2012 Belgian drama film directed by Patrice Toye. The film is set in 1978 and tells the story of a group of teenage girls who are sent to a secluded maternity ward to give birth in secret. The film explores themes of social shame, hidden pregnancies, force adoptions and institutional control.
Plot
In 1978, sixteen-year-old Katja is sent to a secret attic ward in a hospital where pregnant teenage girls are hidden from society. Each girl has her own backstory—some are victims of abuse, others of social prejudice. Under the watch of strict nuns, the girls form close bonds while facing the harsh reality that their babies may be taken from them against their will.Based on real events
The story of Little Black Spiders was inspired by real-life accounts of young unmarried girls in Belgium who were hidden away in so-called mother houses during the 1960s and 1970s. In particular, the film draws on testimonies connected to Tamar in Lommel, a Catholic institution where pregnant teenage girls were isolated from society and often pressured into giving up their children for adoption.Cast
- Line Pillet as Katja
- Charlotte De Bruyne as Roxanne
- Dolores Bouckaert as Cecilia
- Ineke Nijssen as Sister Simone
- Romy Lauwers as Mia
- Martha Vandermeulen as Sabine
- Marjan De Schutter as Clara
- Nathalie Marie Verbeke as Liesbeth
- Dorien De Clippel as Mireille
- Sam Louwyck as Henrik
- Joren Seldeslachts as Dirk
- Sara De Bosschere as Greet