The Rafto Human Rights House is very pleased to be able to present a special human rights programme at the Nordic Panorama 2005 (23 – 28 September), in close co-operation with two of the leading international film festivals dedicated to human rights documentaries: One World in Prague, and Human Rights in Film in Warsaw. (18-SEP-2005)
Pioner project
The human rights programme is a pioneer project within the Nordic Panorama context, and we hope to induce the succeeding festivals to arrange side-events with a similar focus. The secretariat of the Nordic Panorama in Bergen is deeply involved in and dedicated to the human rights programme. Documentaries are important awareness building tools, and promoting this particular genre is of a common concern to the involved parties.
We have chosen five films to be screened at the Nordic Panorama 2005. Given the strength of their message and the credibility of the messengers, these films are all highly captivating. Four films deal with severe violations, perpetrated in countries in which outstanding defenders of human rights have been awarded the Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize: the Russian Federation, Iran, Korea and Cambodia.
Film as an educational tool
An important objective of The Rafto House is the promotion of human rights through educational and informational projects. Artistic means of expression are important resources within our programmes. In suppressive societies, expression through art is generally regarded with deep suspicion. Manifestations of individual freedom and of inner independence are considered to be threatening and are deemed unacceptable.
Through documentaries we can inform and reach the viewer both intellectually and emotionally. Bringing attention to the documentary genre, we also find it important to enhance peoples’ awareness of the manipulative potential of a documentary, given its ability simultaneously to stir many senses of the viewer. When abused, there is danger in the endless technical possibilities of cutting, forming, editing and adding to the raw material: footages of real life and images of “truth”. This issue will be discussed during two seminars; one for the festival participants: “THE BATTLE FOR REALITY?” and one for young people: “HUMAN RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY, OR PROPAGANDA?”
Throughout the world, both in its darkest corners and in the illuminated war-zones, at times even in front of our eyes, human beings are exposed to unimaginable and unbearable suffering. Information about human rights violations, conflicts and catastrophes is of the essence in order for individuals to react. Daily news and advanced telecommunications technology do not constitute sufficient sources. Human rights films offer a channel of enlightenment for those of us who have not experienced inhuman and degrading treatment. We are brought closer to an understanding of the diverse variations of human tragedy and human pain. Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma urges us: “Please use your liberty to promote ours”. By seeking information and being on the alert, we enable ourselves to act on behalf of those who are persecuted, imprisoned, and silenced.
