The Human Rights Film Network is excited to announce that four new human rights film festivals have joined its global community. These new members, representing three African festivals and one from Myanmar, share the network’s mission of promoting human rights dialogue, respect, and protection through film screenings and discussions.
The Human Rights Human Dignity International Film Festival in Myanmar is organized by the Human Dignity Film Institute. This festival honors Aung San Suu Kyi, a key figure in promoting human rights in Myanmar, with the awards ceremony held on her birthday, June 19. After the event in Yangon, the festival travels to 13 cities across the country.
In Senegal, the AfricanBamba Human Rights Film Festival is held annually in Thiaroye, a large suburb of Dakar. Since 2012, AfricanBamba has brought together people of all ages from Thiaroye and its surroundings to discuss education and non-violence, fostering spaces for dialogue and communication.
Another new member from West Africa is Opin Yu Yi, Sierra Leone’s first and only human rights film festival. The name “Opin Yu Yi” translates to “Open Your Eyes” in Krioro. This traveling festival screens films across Sierra Leone. Due to the Ebola crisis, the next edition has been postponed to November 2015.
In Uganda, the Manya Human Rights International Film Festival celebrated its fifth edition in December 2014. With 42 films shown in over 40 venues across the capital, Kampala, the festival brings global cinema to local audiences, showcasing films that address human rights issues. The festival also features a strong African focus, with 21 films from the continent.
The addition of these four festivals enhances the Human Rights Film Network’s ability to promote human rights protection through high-quality films in developing countries. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2014, the HRFN now includes 38 active member festivals from all over the world.