2009 Festival Programme

Below is the Festival Programme information, including dates and locations of the showing of the selected films. Please sign up in advance for showings below by completing the General Enquiries form. Please provide your name and the names of all guests who will attend.

For a listing of the selected films in alphabetical order, click here.

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Thursday, 19 Nov 2009 - Children - 6.15 Film, Q&A, Drinks Reception

The next generation is the focus of this selection of four short films. Red Leaves Falling is a short animation looking at child trafficking and pornography. Out of Sight Out of Mind brings us back to the UK, the issues families seeking asylum face and the children involved in this process. India: Child Trafficking after the Floods exposes child traffickers who prey on families and lost children after natural disasters. Asante Sana takes us on a journey to Africa where we are shown children in a orphanage sharing their happiness and lives with us.

UCL, Bloomsbury Campus – Map
Ingold Chemistry Lecture Theatre
20 Gordon Street, WC1H 0AJ
Tube = Russell Square/Euston Square/Euston Station

6.15pm film viewing followed by panel discussion and drinks reception

Cost: Free

Sign-Up: Please complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending the event. We need you to provide the names of those who will attend this screening.

Asante Sana
Based in an African NGO this movie shows young children from an orphanage sharing their happiness
Carie Bolsover
9 mins

India: Child Trafficking After the Floods
In Bihar, India, child-traffickers know that during the annual floods they’ll be able to approach children who are lost and alone more easily and transport them sometimes thousands of miles. They then get sold as brides, put to work as domestic servants, as prostitutes or as hard labourers.
Stuart Bamforth Save the Children
14 mins

Out of Sight Out of Mind
Narrated by Juliet Stevenson this documentary follows three mothers as they struggle to provide a normal life for their children against a shocking reality of being an asylum seeker in the UK
Emily Harris and Yoni Bentovim
24 mins

Red Leaves Falling
A story of Child Pornography and Child sex trafficking told through animation
Monica D Ray
27mins

Monday, 23 Nov 2009, 6.30 p.m. - Human Rights

Memories of a Generation tells the story of Ali Saeed and other Ethiopian political victims from the period of Ethiopian history known as the Red Terror. Aaron Flosesco, 78mins.

St Ethelburga’s Centre - Map
78 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AG
Tube = Liverpool Street

Cost: Donations appreciated

Sign-Up: Please complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending the event. We need you to provide the names of those who will attend this screening.

Wednesday, 25 Nov 2009, 7.00 p.m. - Human Rights

The World of Tibet is a history documentary directed by Emma Handley and presented by Dan Cruickshank about the Dalai Lama, his secret Himalayan Kingdom and the story of his exile, using eyewitness accounts from Tibetan including the Dalai Lama himself and colour archive footage of Tibet from 1930s to 50s. 60 minutes.

Riverside Studios - Map
Crisp Rd, London W6 9RL
Tube = Hammersmith

To book tickets, contact Box Office: 020 8237 1111

Cost of tickets: £7.50, Concessions £6.50

Thursday, 26 Nov 2009, 6.30 p.m. - Human Rights

These films touch briefly on human rights violations in different corners of the world. Forgotten Freedom Fighters, made in 2009, looks into the lives of a group of former combatants living in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra. Caso Rosendo Radilla- An Open Wound From Mexico’s Dirty War, based in Mexico, tells the story of Rosendo Radila Pacheco a prominent activist and mayor who fought access to health and education who went missed in 1974 leaving his family seeking justice. 2.5.7 is a collection of clips filmed on cell phones during the revolts in Teheran which show the oppression and threats to civilians and citizens who express disagreement with the government.

UCL, Bloomsbury Campus – Map
Harrie Massey Lecture Theatre
25 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AY
Tube = Russell Square/Euston Square/Euston Station

Cost: Free

Sign-Up: Please complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending the event. We need you to provide the names of those who will attend this screening.

2.5.7
Short documentary filmed with cell phones during the revolts in Teheran in the aftermath of the elections, June 19. It is a real picture of what happened in those days including Neda’s killing. It presents the situation in Iran, the oppression, threats to civilians and citizens who express disagreement with the government, the re-elected president and who claim democracy and freedom in their own nation.
Nima Bagheri
11mins

Caso Rosendo Radilla- An Open Wound From Mexico’s Dirty War
In 1974 Rosendo Radila Pacheco disappeared at a military checkpoint in southern Mexico. As a prominent activist and mayor, Rosendo fought access to health and education in Atoyac, in the state of Guerrero. This film tells the stories of Radila’s daughter, Tita and other families who have disappeared relatives. They ask how seeking the truth in the past strengthens justice in the future.
Christine Umali
18mins

Forgotten Freedom Fighters
In 1991, the ANC suspended their armed struggle against the South African government. In 2009, the majority of former combatants are unemployed and still waiting for compensation promised to them.
Forgotten Freedom Fighters looks into the lives of a group of former combatants living in the Johannesburg township of Alexandra who have given up waiting and have decided to do something for themselves. It also documents the unconventional use of “ecotherapy” to help former combatants deal with past trauma and move forward with their lives.
Shareen Anderson and Lisa Henry
45mins

No Way Through
Imagine if London was controlled by the military and you had to go through specific checkpoints to go to school, go to work, visit your friends go to the hospital. No Way Through brings the shocking reality of Palestinian life in the West bank uncomfortably to home.
Alexandra Monro & Sheila Menon

Thursday, 26 Nov 2009, 6.00 p.m. - Environment and Peace

These short films show how the environmental issues faced by the world today are wide ranging, complicated and with varied solutions. The Presidents Dilemma takes us to the pacific islands of Kiribati and shows how rising seas levels will affect the people who live here. Round is a short clip telling a tale of death and rebirth rages in a jungle world of shadowy hands. It ‘s up 2 u portrays propaganda about camel’s milk, wild rice, gouda cheese and a way not to destroy our planet. Uncle David is a story of how one man is single handily using his retirement to improve his neighbourhood. Organoponico! An Agricultural Revolution looks at the success of Cuba’s urban agricultural scheme and shows how cities can be sustainable even in these times of economic and climatic crisis.

LSE - Map
St Clements Building, Room S221
Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE
Tube = Holborn, Covent Garden or Temple

Cost: Free of charge

Sign-Up: There is limited capacity for this session so please complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending and provide the names of all guests who will attend.

Forgotten Bird of Paradise
Undercover documentary filmed in West Papua where for over 45 years the native Papuans have been struggling for independence from the occupying regime.
Dominic Brown
26mins

It ‘s up 2 u
Propaganda about camel’s milk, wild rice, gouda cheese and a way not to destroy our planet. It’s up 2 u- You decide!
Ulrike Westerann
13mins

Organoponico! An Agricultural Revolution
This short film looks at the success of the ‘Organoponico’, a type of urban farm that was implemented in Cuban cities as a result of, and reaction to, the food crisis Cuba experienced in the early 1990s. It shows an urban agricultural initiative which can be used as an example to people around the world in order to secure a more sustainable future.
Lara Boglione and Lucy Loveday
5mins 33sec

Round
A tale of death and rebirth rages in a jungle world of shadowy hands.
Kirk Hendry
5mins

The Presidents Dilemma
The pacific islands of Kiribati were among the last places to be colonised by humans but now because of rising sea levels they may be among the first to be abandoned should Kiribati President Anote Tong surrender to climate change and evacuate? Can anything be done to help him buy more time?
James Heer
24mins

Uncle David
A Story of how one man is single handily using his retirement to improve his neighbourhood
Shyla Lee
15mins

Friday, 27 Nov 2009, 6.30 p.m. - Development, Environment and Peace

Five short films, five different topics, followed by Q&A. Don’t Shoot is the official video for singer songwriter Kinzli’s anti gun crime song. The Forgotten District focuses on efforts by the Maya to promote ecotourism in order to protect their rainforest traditions. One UN film - Ethiopia: A Family in Crisis looks at a family in Ethiopia. Henry and Sunny, filmed in black and white, takes an alternative look at discrimination in a time of economic depression, mass unemployment and civil unrest. The Peace Olympics is an annual sporting festival in South Sudan where districts compete in sporting events and are brought together in a spirit of peace and friendship. The Q&A discussion will be chaired by David Wardrop, Chairman, UNA Westminster Branch.

Venue:
London Metropolitan University (North Campus - Islington) - Map
Tower Building, Room T-120,
166-220 Holloway Road
London N7 8DB
Tube: Holloway Road (Piccadilly Line) and Highbury & Islington (Victoria Line)

Sign-Up: This event is free of charge but you must complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending the event. We need you to provide the names and affiliations (UN, student, organisations) of those (including guests) who will attend this screening.

Cost: Free (sign-up required in advance; see above paragraph)

Don’t Shoot
The official video for singer songwriter Kinzli’s anti gun crime song.
Polis Loizou
4mins

The Forgotten District
For the last 20 years the Maya in Belize have been promoting their own ecotourism programme in order to protect their rainforest and traditions.
Oliver Dickinson
52 mins

Ethiopia: A Family in Crisis
Life of Ayatu Nure has not turned out as he expected. Once a wealthy landowner, he followed the age-old tradition of his people and took more than one wife. In fact, he took many wives! This story takes us to Ethiopia to see the family they created.
UN Film: Executive in Charge Susan Farkas
8 mins 56 secs

Henry and Sunny
In a time of unprecedented economic depression, mass unemployment and civil unrest one group has borne the brunt of society’s scorn – the clowns. Henry & Sunny is the bittersweet tale of Henry and unemployed clown in love with the famous soap opera actress, Sunny Carmichael. Beautifully photographed in high contrast black and white Henry and Sunny is a melancholy tale of love against all odds.
Fergal Rock
15mins

The Peace Olympics
The twic Olympics is an annual sporting festival in South Sudan. It pits Twic county’s six districts against each other for sporting glory but more importantly brings them together in a spirit of peace and friendship.
Dylan Howitt
12mins

Saturday, 28 Nov 2009 - 1.05 p.m. - Young Film Makers

9 films BY young people FOR young people

In partnership with TrueTube
1.05pm - 2.20pm*
*Films will be followed by Q&A lead by industry professionals including film makers and youth arts practitioners.

Venue:
BFI South Bank - Map
Belvedere Road
South Bank, London SE1 8XT
Tube: Waterloo (South Bank exit)/Embankment and Charing Cross (cross Hungerford Bridge to South Bank)

Cost: Free of Charge

Sign up: Sign up in advance for showing below by completing the General Enquiries form. Please provide your name and the names of all guests who will attend.

Freedom from Fear

1. Discovered is a digital “machinima” film produced in Second Life that explores the powerful issue of child sex trafficking through the fictional story of one Mexican teenager. This is the final product of a year-long, intensive digital filmmaking program called the Virtual Video Project, an after school program conducted by Global Kids, Inc in NYC. The students gathered regularly during the past year to learn about film production, human rights, and virtual worlds, culminating in a serious issue machinima film produced entirely by youth filmmakers. (Global Kids, America) (10 min)

2. UNICEF one minute junior is a sixty-second video made by young people between the ages of 12 and 20. Time may be limited (this challenges the youngsters to form their ideas clearly), but not the freedom to express oneself creatively, which is the basic right of every person.

3. The Truth Within Our Families follows the reckless trail of one father as he spends his time and family’s money on drinking alcohol. His wife confronts him about his pattern of behaviour, fearing for the future of her children when her husband reacts with force. This film is shot entirely on a Nokia 6010 Navigator phone. (World Film Collective) (3.30 min)

Freedom to Live in Dignity

4. Ali’s Story focuses on the children from Mansouria School who venture into the world of drama. This short film follows Ali, a young boy, and his decisions about returning to school – or not. The film highlights reasons children and young people may not go to school and the influence friends can have. Ali’s story is scripted, directed and filmed by children between 10-11 years old. (Our Everyday Lives, Morocco)(5 min)

5. This is Our Life looks at the different aspects of waste-pickers in Delhi and their realities. (Adobe Youth Voices, India) (8.15min)

Environment

6. Request from Earth asks how globalisation affects our world and our environment. Directed and produced by Christel House India Learning Centre. (Adobe Youth Voices, India) (30 sec)

Freedom from Want

7. The Desert Heroes Club tells the story of how karate can inspire social change. Young Jews and Arabs living in desert settlements face the threat of their karate club being demolished along with the loss of something far greater - their hope for the future. (Jerusalem Cinematique Israel Film Archive) (8 min)

8. UNICEF one minute junior is a sixty-second video made by young people between the ages of 12 and 20. Time may be limited (this challenges the youngsters to form their ideas clearly), but not the freedom to express oneself creatively, which is the basic right of every person.

9. Al Rasheda explores the lives of Bedouin living in Al Rasheda Village, Palestine. It offers a unique insight into the nomadic lifestyle of this Bedouin community, as we follow the young people on a journey through a typical day in their lives. (Our Everyday Lives, Palestine) (15 min)

Monday, 30 Nov 2009 - Time: 6.00 p.m. - Human Rights/Gender

Two topics that go hand in hand, gender and human rights, and these three short films show situations how they are very interlinked. Not Yet Rain gives us two sides of a story relating to abortion. Hear Us features four women caught up in the political violence in Zimbabwe in 2008, who have come forward to demand justice. Chronic Neglect is based in El Salvador where reliable water sources are scarce forcing women and girls to walk long distances and pay high prices to obtain water of dubious quality.

Kingston University - Map and Directions
Penrhyn Rd Kingston KT1 2EE
Clatern Lecture Theatre - JG1003

Cost: Free

Sign-Up: Please complete the General Enquiries form to confirm that you will be attending the event. We need you to provide the names of those who will attend this screening.

Chronic Neglect
While there is no shortage of water in El Salvador almost 60% of the rural population has no access to a reliable water source, forcing women and girls to walk long distances and pay high prices to obtain water of dubious quality.
Christine Umali
23mins

Hear Us: Women Affected by Political Violence in Zimbabwe Speak Out
In 2008, Political violence erupted throughout Zimbabwe as a result of contested national elections. Women of all ages, targeted for their political affiliations, were abducted from their workplaces and homes and were raped, tortured and beaten in secret torture centres.
Hear Us features four of these women, who have come forward to demand justice from Zimbabwean government and the Southern African Development community.
Christine Umali
16mins

Not Yet Rain
Nearly 67,000 women — almost entirely poor women from developing countries — die every year from unsafe abortion, devastating the children, families and communities for whom they are caretakers. Millions more are injured. These women — daughters, sisters, wives and mothers — are the core of their families and communities. Young children whose mothers die are far more likely to die themselves than children with living parents.
Lisa Russell