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TRAVELING FILM FESTIVAL 2008-2009
Since its inception, Human Rights Watch’s International Film Festival has embodied the power of film to make a difference. Courageous and committed filmmakers produce impressive documentary and feature films, which stimulate passionate conversations about human rights and inspire new generations of human rights activists. Through the universal language of film, we connect the experiences of survivors and activists with our own experiences — a critical step in influencing public opinion and policy makers.
Each year highlights from our London and New York festivals are presented in our Traveling Film Festival. We see these films as capable of creating forums for discussion in all kinds of communities. People are able to view human rights issues and their impact through the art of film - a medium that has the power to share individual stories of suffering and of strength across both physical and philosophical borders.
The 2008-2009 season of the Traveling Festival begins in September 2008 and runs through May 2009. Please note that the traveling festival is only available in the US and Canada at this time. This season's titles include:
Deadly Playground
Katia Saleh—UK/Lebanon—2007—23m—video—doc
In Arabic and English with English subtitles
Thirteen-year-old Hussein from the village of Sadikkeen in south Lebanon has been watching the demining experts in his area clearing the estimated 3 million cluster bombs that the Israeli forces dropped in the war with Hezbollah in 2006. A projected 1 million of these remain unexploded and scattered around the villages and mountains of south Lebanon. Hundreds of children, like Hussein, are still fascinated by them.
The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo
Lisa Jackson—US—2007—76m—video—doc
In English, French, Swahili, Lingala and Mashi, with English subtitles
Shot in the war zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this extraordinary film sensitively yet unflinchingly brings to light the plight of women and girls caught in that country’s intractable conflicts. A survivor of rape herself, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Lisa Jackson travels through the DRC to understand what is happening and why. The film features interviews with activists, peacekeepers, physicians, and even the indifferent rapists. But the most remarkable moments of the film come as survivors recount their personal stories—inspiring examples of resilience, resistance, courage and grace. *Special Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival 2008.
Letter to Anna
Eric Bergkraut —Switzerland—2008—84m—video—doc
In Russian and English with English subtitles
Anna Politkovskaya was a brave and tenacious journalist for one of Russia’s only independent journals, Novaya Gazeta. Anna used her journalist platform to strongly criticize Russian military actions in Chechnya. On October 7, 2006, she was shot dead in the stairwell of her Moscow apartment building. A few years before her untimely death, filmmaker Eric Bergkraut met Politkovskaya while making his documentary Coca: The Dove From Chechnya. Bergkraut filmed some powerful, frank interviews with the late reporter. In Letter to Anna these are interwoven with a tantalizing search for her likely killers and insightful contributions from colleagues and loved ones who discuss her work while celebrating the life of an extraordinary woman and mother, a fearless defender of the people, “the conscience of Russia.” Narrated by Susan Sarandon.
Project Kashmir
Senain Kheshgi and Geeta V. Patel—USA—2008—89m—video—doc
In English, Urdu, Kashmiri, Hindi with English subtitles
Two American friends, one Hindu and one Muslim, enter the war zone of Kashmir to investigate the 60-year rivalry between their homelands India and Pakistan. How does a young generation remain hopeful in this endless war? Beautifully lensed by award-winning cinematographer Ross Kauffman, the film captures the physical splendor of Kashmir, while expertly interweaving deeply moving personal stories of Kashmiris with those of the two American women, who strive to reconcile their ethnic and religious heritage with the violence that haunts their homeland.
Promise to the Dead
Peter Raymont—Canada—2006—92m—35mm—doc
In English and Spanish with English subtitles
On September 11, 1973, Chile’s military attacked its government. As the coup took hold, the democratically elected president Salvador Allende called government members to the presidential palace to stand against their attackers, facing certain death. Ariel Dorfman was Allende’s cultural advisor, and should have been called too; he later discovered his name had been struck from the list so he could live to tell what happened that day. Three decades later, Dorfman is an internationally respected writer and human rights activist, winner of the Sir Laurence Olivier Award for the play “Death and the Maiden.” Filmmaker Peter Raymont travels to Chile with Dorfman in late 2006, at the time when Augusto Pinochet, Allende’s overthrower and Dorfman’s long-time nemesis, is dying. Raymont follows Dorfman through emotional reunions with his friends and fellow resistors, to personal landmarks that are powerful both emotionally and historically. During the journey they explore exile, memory and the search for justice.
The Sari Soldiers
Julie Bridgham—US/Nepal—2008—90m—video—doc
In Nepali with English subtitles
Filmed over three years during the most historic and pivotal time in Nepal’s modern history, The Sari Soldiers is an extraordinary story of six women’s courageous efforts to shape Nepal’s future in the midst of an escalating civil war against Maoist insurgents, and the King’s crackdown on civil liberties. When Devi, mother of a 15-year-old girl, witnesses her niece being tortured and murdered by the Royal Nepal Army, she speaks publicly about the atrocity. The army abducts her daughter in retaliation, and Devi embarks on a three-year struggle to uncover her daughter’s fate and see justice done. The Sari Soldiers follows her and five other brave women, including Maoist Commander Kranti; Royal Nepal Army Officer Rajani; Krishna, a monarchist from a rural community who leads a rebellion against the Maoists; Mandira, a human rights lawyer; and Ram Kumari, a young student activist organizing the protests to establish democracy. The Sari Soldiers intimately delves into the extraordinary journey of these women on all sides of the conflict, through the democratic revolution that reshapes the country’s future.
To See If I'm Smiling
Tamar Yarom—Israel—2007—59m—video—doc
In Hebrew with English subtitles
Israel is the only country in the world where 18-year-old girls are drafted for compulsory military service. To See If I’m Smiling is a disturbing look at the actions and behavior of women soldiers in the Israeli army who, stationed in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, help maintain the 40-year-old occupation of Palestinian territories. The women in the film, veterans who’ve tried to bury the past for years, finally speak openly about their experiences. Deeply personal interviews are dramatically interwoven with both archival footage and details of the women’s daily lives. One woman recounts how she posed for a photo with a Palestinian corpse. She searches for that picture, saying, “I wanted to see if I’m smiling.” At a time when women in the military are increasingly on the frontlines, this powerful film explores the ways that gender, ethics, and moral responsibility intersect during war.
Up the Yangtze
Yung Chang — Canada — 2007 — 93m — video — doc
In Mandarin with English subtitles
A symbol of China’s economic prowess, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River is the world’s largest, and China’s biggest engineering feat since the Great Wall. It also represents the end to a way of life and livelihood for two million people along the Yangtze. Among those being forced to relocate are the Yu family. Poor, illiterate farmers with few options available to them, they decide to send their oldest daughter Yu Shui to work on a cruise ship. Working for the same cruise line is Chen Bo Yu, the only son from a middle class family. Good looking and proficient in English, Jerry (as he is renamed by the cruise line), sees this as an opportunity — a stepping stone to bigger and better things, while Yu Shui (renamed Cindy) would prefer to continue her education. Both struggle with the demands of their jobs, especially the expectation to understand Western social cues and to operate comfortably in a Western social environment. Chinese-Canadian filmmaker Yung Chang crafts a beautifully photographed and moving metaphor for life in contemporary China, as well as a disquieting glimpse into a future that awaits us all.
USA vs. Al-Arian
Line Halvorsen—Norway—2007—98m—35mm—doc
In Arabic with English subtitles
A passionate, outspoken pro-Palestinian activist, university professor Sami Al-Arian was charged in 2003 with funding and supporting a Palestinian terrorist group and held in prison awaiting a trial for two-and-a-half years. USA vs Al-Arian is an intimate family portrait that documents the strain brought on by Al-Arian’s trial, a battle waged both in court and in the media. A tight-knit family unravels before our eyes as trial preparations, strategy, and spin consume their lives. This is a nightmare come to life, as a man is prosecuted for his beliefs rather than his actions. Director Line Halvorsen presents democracy in a new light—in a post-9/11 culture of fear, “security measures” trump free speech, and punishment is meted out in the name of protection.
Youth Producing Change
Founding Presenter: Adobe Youth Voices
Run time: 80m
A program of short films directed and produced by youth from across the globe. Armed with digital cameras, computers and their own boundless creativity – these young people bravely expose human rights issues faced by themselves and their communities. It’s time that we listen to what they have to say.
*Please note that the shorts cannot be booked separately. They are booked as one program/title.
The Countdown
Rene Dongo, Fast Forward Program at The Institute of Contemporary Art—US—2007—6m—doc
In English
A plane left spoken word artist Sofia Snow’s hometown on September 11th, never reaching its destination. Sofia shares her hope that society can work to fill the empty space left by the tragedy.
Women Empowerment
Lithiko Mthobeli, in collaboration with Siphokazi, Athi, Ongezwa and Daza, Bridges to Understanding – South Africa—2007— 5m—doc
In English
Reflecting on the harsh reality mothers face in raising children alone in their township, these young South African filmmakers celebrate their mothers' resilience to overcome the obstacles that lay before them.
I Want My Parents Back
Aaron Dominguez, Euniz Gonzalez, Argenis Herrera, Garrett Hayes, Khirye Rice, Melly Jenny, Nathan Villalobos, Omar Flores and Cody Marshall of Media Arts Center San Diego – US/Mexico—2007— 11m—doc
In English and Spanish
The impact of U.S. immigration policies hit home when the undocumented parents of the Munoz family are deported without warning to Mexico, leaving their 3 young American-born children behind.
Islands of the People
Amber Good, Raven Hausman-Hayward, Justin Klevgaard and Jesse Williams of Atira Women’s Resource Society, in partnership with the Old Massett Youth Program – Haida Gwaii, Canada —2007—6m—doc
In English and Haida
Amber Good is a 13 year old Haida girl with a very important role to play. Facing the dark history of colonization and forced assimilation that nearly wiped out her culture, Amber makes a commitment to learn the Haida language from her grandmother Nonnie Mary Swanson, one of the last living people who can speak, read and write in Haida.
The True Cost of Coal
Brittany Hunsaker, Autumn Nikki King and Willa Johnson of Appalachian Media Institute, Appalshop, Inc. —US —2007 —14m —doc
In English
Coal mining is a way of life and death in Eastern Kentucky. Despite over 100 years of mining, the communities that provide this work force remain some of the most poverty-stricken and contaminated areas in the United States. As energy prices soar and the government and coal companies unite to increase coal extraction, mountain communities rally to protect their rights.
The Hidden Cost of Cashmere
Zane Scheuerlein, Member of Open Youth Networks – US—2007—3m—doc
In English
The Hidden Cost of Cashmere cleverly links America's appetite for cheap consumer goods with desertification and the growing environmental crisis.
A Maid Is Not A Slave (Mbindaan Du Jaam)
Mariama Maréna, Seynabou Ciss, Dioundiouba Diagne, Marietou Ndoye Seck, Salimata Sow, Aissatou Gueye Seye, Aminata Dème, Dieynaba Koné of Mariama Ba Girls Boarding School – Senegal, West Africa—2007—5m—drama
In French with English Subtitles
Kiné, a young Senegalese girl is sent to the city to work as a maid in order to support her family back home. When her employers begin to abuse her - who is there to protect her?
Slave Label
Philosophy students from Queen Elizabeth School in partnership with Whitewood & Fleming– U.K.—2007— 18m—doc
In English
How much do your new jeans cost? Who made them and how much did they get paid? Two teenage girls embark on an eye-opening journey as they discover the dark truth behind the clothing industry and take a stand for change.
Playing with the Other Tigers
Zachary Lennon-Simon of Reel Works Teen Filmmaking—US—2007—10m—doc
In English
The story of two childhood best friends, Amir who is Muslim and Zach who is half-Jewish. When Amir is harassed after 9/11, their friendship takes on added significance.
Adobe Youth Voices
Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation's global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth from underserved communities worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and take action in their communities. By harnessing the energy and insight of youth and enabling them to express themselves, their opinions, and aspirations, Adobe Youth Voices aims to inspire a dialogue for change in their communities. In and out of the classroom, Adobe Youth Voices utilizes the power of technology as part of the learning experience for middle-and high-school aged youth to enable them to think creatively, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively--critical 21st century skills. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.
If you are interested in licensing the traveling festival:
- You can select from a minimum of three titles to a maximum of all the titles at a cost of $250 per title.
- You can screen each title twice. You can screen certain titles more than twice, but we must request special permission for these additional screenings.
- You can license the package for the duration of a week up to a semester.
- You can screen on Beta SP or DVD - depending on availability.
- You must pay one way shipping - be it to the next site or back to HRW.
- The festival books on a rolling basis. Dates and films are not confirmed until you have signed and returned your traveling festival contract. Payment is not expected until 30 days after your final screening.
- Titles NOT listed as part of our traveling festival title list are not available through HRW. One must contact the distributor or filmmaker directly for all other titles on our site. Equally, if one screens a film from our traveling festival list without permission (i.e. a contract) - it is in violation of our licensing agreements. Furthermore, if one presents a film using HRW's name without a signed contract on file, that is also in violation of our agreements.
- Human Rights Watch provides support materials for all the films. These items include: information on Human Rights Watch's work, images and press kits for the films, preview DVDs, and downloadable samples/templates.
If you would like more information or would like to make a booking, please contact Andrea Holley on 212-216-1839 or at holleya@hrw.org.
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