The Human Rights Film Festival 2006

The Human Rights Film Festival 2006

A film festival with a difference – New Zealand’s only human rights film festival – is bringing extraordinary documentaries and dramas to the big screen near you.

With a programme that includes the inspirational Breaking Bows and Arrows: Search for Reconciliation and Forgiveness, the frightening no holds barred documentary about California’s reproduction dream world Frozen Angels, and the true account of an Indian family who would rather drown than allow the destruction of their land, home and culture in Drowned Out, this year’s Human Rights Film Festival promises to be both educational and inspirational.

2006 World Press Freedom Day is dedicated to the theme “Media and Good Governance”, and as a tribute to those journalists who have lost their lives The Human Rights Film Festival is proud to present Miguel, Në Terren (On the Spot) moving portrait of a brave and principled war reporter.

Throughout the Festival a host of thought-provoking and inspiring documentaries, features, animations and shorts display for New Zealand audiences the dignity, courage and humour of ordinary people in extraordinary situations – fighting to protect their communities, families and environment The films in our festival tell stories which touch lives, and we are delighted to be bringing them to New Zealand audiences” festival co-director Carol Nelson says.

“Our festival joins well-established human rights film events throughout Europe and the USA including London, New York, and Paris.”

“These films bypass the usual stereotypes - they are fresh, raw and real,” says co-director Boris van Beusekom. “We’re seeing a global explosion in documentary film making as people take advantage of exciting advances in camera and editing technology and are now able to document human rights abuses and victories in their own back yard.”

The festival is the initiative of the Human Rights Network of Aotearoa New Zealand, an independent, non-partisan, non-government organisation formed in 2000.

“Knowing what is happening around the world is the first step towards protecting human rights both here and abroad,” Carol Nelson says.

“We want these sessions to open up dialogue on human rights issues, to show their relevance to our lives here in New Zealand, and to give people the opportunity to take that interest further if they wish to do so.”

www.humanrightsfilmfest.net.nz

WELLINGTON AUCKLAND CHRISTCHURCH

MAY 3-10 MAY 11-18 MAY 17 - 21

ENDS

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