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Human rights issues showcased on-screen at the University of Ottawa
OTTAWA,
October 2, 2014 —
Some of the most compelling human rights issues, both at home and across the globe, will be highlighted on the big screen with the return of the University of Ottawa Human Rights Film Festival. Featuring six films over four days, along with special guests and discussions, the festival is presented by the Human Rights Research and Education Centre (HRREC) in collaboration with the Canadian Film Institute (CFI), from October 2 to 5, in Alumni Auditorium on the uOttawa campus.
In its second edition, the festival has expanded to six international documentaries and fiction films highlighting critical and far-reaching human rights issues, with a focus on mental health and women’s rights. The program presents stories from six continents, shining light on those affected by Williams Syndrome, depression, trauma caused by war crimes, violence against women, political conflict and forced displacement. Each screening will be followed by a notable guest who will speak in depth about the film and offer context regarding the issues it raises, as well as providing the chance for discussion.
“This film festival is an opportunity to raise awareness of human rights issues and to encourage action to improve the universal enjoyment of human rights,”says HRREC Director John Packer. "We are excited to follow up last year’s inaugural festival with six powerful films and some new events, notably a seminar on the use of film for action research and advocacy.”
The festival offers further opportunities for the public to engage with human rights topics through cinema. “Cinema is an extraordinarily powerful vehicle for exploring human rights issues. There are many thought-provoking, relevant films being made right now all over the world,” says CFI Executive Director Tom McSorley.
All festival screenings will take place at the University of Ottawa’s Alumni Auditorium, in the Jock Turcot University Centre, 85 University. The full film lineup, trailers, advance tickets and more information can be found on the CFI website (www.cfi-icf.ca) or the HRREC website (www.cdp-hrc.uOttawa.ca).
Media inquiries
Danika Gagnon
Media Relations Officer
University of Ottawa
Office: 613-562-5800 ext. 2981
Cell: 613-863-7221
danika.gagnon@uOttawa.ca
