Human Rights Watch Film Festival selections

This week, the International House is presenting selections from the 9th Human Rights Watch Film Festival.

Wed, Feb. 9
Iran: Voices of the Unheard
The untold story of Iranian secularists through three fascinating characters – each from a distinct social, economic and educational background – but all sharing a love for their motherland and in need of a country free from political repression and theocracy. (dir. Davoud Geramifard, Canada, 2009, BetaSP, 68 mins, color, Farsi w/ English subtitles)

Thurs, Feb. 10
In the Land of the Free…
Herman Wallace, Albert Woodfox and Robert King – aka The Angola 3 – have spent a combined century in solitary confinement in Angola, the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Targeted by prison officials for being members of the Black Panther Party and for fighting against terrible prison conditions, they were convicted of the murder of a prison guard. New evidence continues to emerge as they continue to challenge the verdict. Narrated by Samuel L Jackson, In the Land of the Free… presents the ongoing story as dramatic events continue to unfold. (dir. Vadim Jean, UK/US, 2009, BetaSP, 84 mins, color)

Fri, Feb. 11
Pushing the Elephant
An intimate family drama set against the backdrop of the 1998 conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pushing the Elephant tells the story of Rose Mapendo, who was separated from her five-year-old daughter Nangabire. Rose survived the atrocities of those years and eventually resettled in Phoenix, Arizona with her other children. Now, after 12 years apart, Rose and her daughter Nangabire are reunited in the US. Through the story of their reunion, we come to understand the excruciating decisions Rose made in order to survive and the complex difficulties Nangabire faces as a refugee in the US, torn between her painful past and a hopeful future. (dir. Beth Davenport and Elizabeth Mandel, US, 2010, BetaSP, 84 mins, color, English, Kinyamulenge and Swahili w/ English subtitles.)

Sat, Feb. 12

Youth Producing Change

Young people are on the frontlines of many of the world’s human rights crises, but we rarely get to hear their points of view. The third edition of Youth Producing Change shares powerful stories from young filmmakers across the globe as they turn the camera on their own lives and share their visions of change. Youth Producing Change Short Film Program was founded by Adobe Youth Voices. Full list of titles available at the International House website.

All films begin at 7:00 pm and are presented in video projection.