A film festival that wagers hope against injustice, imagination against apathy. (Ariel Dorfman)
Courtesy of www.hwr.org
The number thirteen isn’t exactly a popular one, but don’t let that put you off the opening of next week’s Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. The thirteenth of its kind, the festival will run for nine days in London from March 18th with some fascinating documentaries on offer…
The London premiere of Afghan Star (2008) by Havana Marking.
After 30 years of war and the Taliban’s repression, Afghan Pop Idol is taking the nation by storm. But this is more than just a TV show. In Afghanistan you risk your life to sing.
There are also a number of UK premieres on show:
Back Home Tomorrow (2008) by Fabrizio Lazzaretti and Paolo Santolini.
A cinematically stunning examination of two lives affected by conflict that illustrates how hope prevails in even the most desperate of settings.
Burma VJ – Reporting from a Closed Country (2008) by Anders Østergaard.
Armed with video-cameras, a tenacious band of Burmese reporters face down death to expose the repressive regime controlling their country.
Crude (2009) by Joe Berlinger.
Can 30,000 plaintiffs from five indigenous Ecuadorian tribes find justice from Chevron, one of the world’s largest oil producers?
In the Holy Fire of Revolution (2008) by Masha Novikova.
A unique take on Putin’s Russia as seen through the experiences of chess champion turned activist Garry Kasparov.
Look Into My Eyes (2008) by Naftaly Gliksberg.
Is anti-Semitism a buzz-word for all kinds of real or imagined slights? Is it an arcane expression that should be retired or is there legitimacy to outcries worldwide that anti-Semitism is again on the rise?
Pray the Devil Back to Hell (2008) by Gini Reticker.
A story of the power of women’s solidarity in Liberia in the face of almost impossible odds.
Project Kashmir (2008) by Senain Kheshgi and Geeta V. Patel.
What happens when two friends from opposite sides of the divide enter the conflict in Kashmir and find their friendship tested?
Tapologo (2008) by Gabriela Gutiérrez Dewar and Sally Gutiérrez Dewar.
A moving story of women in South Africa who have turned their tragedy into a tool.
The Reckoning – The Battle for the International Criminal Court (2009) by Pamela Yates.
An insightful documentary that follows two riveting dramas—the prosecution of unspeakable crimes and the International Criminal Court’s fight for justice.
Courtesy of www.hrw.org
And if that little lot isn’t enough to get excited about, the festival will also be hosting the World premiere of My Neighbor, My Killer (2009) by Anne Aghion who asks, Could you ever forgive the people who slaughtered your family? and the European premiere Remnants of a War (2009) by Jawad Metni who poses the question, How does life continue in the midst of war and its ever-present remains in Lebanon?
The festival will also be featuring several dramas:
Eden is West (2009) by Costa-Gavras.
The journey of an emigrant in search of a better life – full of heart, humour and wondrous complexities.
Endgame (2009) by Pete Travis.
A gripping and sophisticated political thriller full of unexpected heroes.
Firaaq (2008) by Nandita Das.
A layered and diverse look at the impact of communal violence on the lives of those who must continue in the aftermath of the 2002 riots in Gujarat.
UK premiere of Kabuli Kid (2008) by Barmak Akram.
An incisive look at daily life in Kabul follows the adventures of a taxi driver and his new found ward.
Laila’s Birthday (2008) by Rashid Masharawi.
A moving and humorous tale of a Palestinian taxi driver just trying to get home in time for his daughter’s birthday.
There is something for the photography aficionados out there too, as photoexhibition On The Frontlines, will be open for the full nine days, shedding light on the range of work done by Human Rights Watch over the past three decades.
If you aren’t in London next week do not fear as the festival will be heading to the following destinations:
Toronto: February 24 – March 5.
San Francisco: February 25 – March 26.
New York: June 11 – 25.
Courtesy of www.hrw.org
Click here for more information and to view the festival’s calendar.
