Human Rights Film Series
Announcing the 2011 Human Rights Film Series!
CO-PRESENTED BY:
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2011
If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Filmmaker: Marshall Curry
If A Tree Falls follows the controversial story of Daniel McGowan who was arrested in 2005 on charges of domestic terrorism as a member of the Earth Liberation Front. The film details Daniel's wait for sentencing while under house arrest, intertwined with the dramatic history of the ELF who operated through anonymous cells and caused millions of dollars in damage to businesses believed to be destroying the environment. Daniel's story calls into question not only how we understand environmental activism but also terrorism and the justice system.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2011
How to Die in Oregon
Filmmaker: Peter Richardson
Since 1994, Oregonians have had the right to physician-assisted suicide. Filmmaker Peter Richardson, known for his ability to make deep emotional connections on camera, reveals the highly complex and intimate decision to end one's own life through the stories of the terminally ill in Oregon. Examining both sides of this controversial issue, Richardson poignantly leads audiences to explore what it means to die with dignity.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011
The Redemption of General Butt Naked
Filmmakers: Daniele Anastasion + Eric Strauss
Joshua Milton Blahyi is an evangelical Christian preacher, he is also formerly one of the most feared and bloodthirsty warlords of the 14-year Liberian civil war. Known as "General Butt Naked," Joshua believed he was invincible when fighting naked with an AK-47, as did his troops. Today we find him spreading the good word, telling his story of redemption, and seeking the forgiveness of his victims, his soldiers, and the courts. Beautifully shot and surprisingly up close, the filmmakers present the chilling portrait of a man whose culpability and idea of reconciliation are inherently at odds.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Not in Our Town: Light in the Darkness
Filmmaker: Patrice O'Neill
In 2008, Ecuadorian immigrant Marcelo Lucero was murdered in Patchogue, New York. Marcelo's death was the tragic culmination of a wave of anti-immigrant violence in the community. Light in the Darkness chronicles the journey of Marcelo's family and community members as they react to their loss, the crime and the root causes of violence. The latest in the Not in Our Town series, the film carries on the tradition of documenting how communities organize and act together to prevent and repair the problems of hate crime to create an environment of safety and respect.
ABOUT THE SERIES:
The Human Rights Film Series, first organized in 2000 and presented by the Center for Social Media and the Center for Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, showcases the power of film to educate and advocate about human rights. Four exceptional documentary films that exhibit excellence in filmmaking and explore a broad spectrum of human rights issues are screened each fall. Following each screening, there is an opportunity for the filmmaker and human rights advocates to discuss the film and its issues with the audience. The Centers also provide resource pages to provide a deeper understanding of the underlying human rights issues discussed in the films. The Human Rights Film Series is free and open to the public.
Previous Human Rights Film Series: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002.
2010 Human Rights Film Series
2009 Human Rights Film Series: Videos
Videos of last year's series are up on our YouTube channel! Check them out!
