Mannheim shows the fight against poverty: film event WAS TO DO”!

Mannheim shows the fight against poverty: film event WAS TO DO”!

An important film matinee will take place in Mannheim on November 2nd, 2025. The documentary “WAS TUN” by director Michael Kranz will be shown at the Cineplex Mannheim (N7, 17 – Hall 4). The film deals with the sensitive topic of poor prostitution and sexual exploitation, especially of women and children. The event starts at 11:00 a.m. and is not just limited to the film screening - an introduction by Kranz and discussions with him and employees of the Amalie advice center are firmly planned. Admission to the event is free, but donations are requested.

The Amalie advice center, which has been active since 2013, plays a central role in this context. It not only offers psychosocial advice, but also basic medical care and assistance for women in prostitution. According to Amalie Mannheim, affected women can take advantage of discussion offers and receive valuable support in different areas of life, be it difficulties at work, personal problems or even health concerns without health insurance.

The documentary and its relevance

“WAS TO DO” is not just a film, but part of a larger series that was launched as part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25th. The film's examination of topics such as poverty and abuse in prostitution opens up dialogue about social injustices and encourages reflection. It also becomes clear that prostitution often does not occur of their own free will, but that many women, especially from countries such as Romania, Bulgaria or Hungary, are forced into this situation due to economic hardship. This is also supported by the Hope for the Future surveys, which show that poverty and educational deficits contribute significantly to forced prostitution.

According to this study, a significant proportion of women in Austria live in poverty, which underlines the need for initiatives like Amalie. Women living alone and single mothers are particularly affected by poverty. Statistics show that around 41% of single-parent households in Austria are at risk of poverty. The challenge of breaking out of prostitution is made even more difficult by dependence on pimps and a lack of a social network.

A call to action

The film matinee in Mannheim is therefore not only an entertainment offer, but also a call to action. By addressing the urgency with which poverty and social inequalities need to be addressed, the event aims to raise awareness and inspire change. Amalie is financed by the city of Mannheim, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration of Baden-Württemberg as well as by the European Social Fund and the Diakonisches Werk.

Conclusion: The documentary “WAS TO DO” puts its finger on the wounds of our society and invites us to think outside the box. Every viewer can be sensitized and perhaps take the first step towards supporting the women affected.