2007 Human Rights Watch International Film Festival
June 15 – 28
Torture, systematic rape, global warming, censorship––as crimes against humanity increase, so does the activism of filmmakers. This year’s Human Rights Watch International Film Festival explores these issues and more in films that capture tragedy but also, in many cases, the survival of the human spirit. Justice is pursued for the victims of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia; a former military advisor advocates change in Darfur through peaceful means; and sex workers in Guatemala search for a better life by taking up soccer. Romanian foster parents care for babies infected with HIV/AIDS, while women from the war-ravaged Congo form strong bonds of solidarity while recovering from the trauma of rape. And the ability to affect a country’s political system is examined in films focusing on a woman in Afghanistan, youth in Belarus, a political movement in Bolivia, and the election process in the U.S.
Always at the intersection of culture and politics, the festival this year has a particular focus on artists as activists––not only those making the films but their subjects as well. Several films take a look at the power of photographers to document abuses against people and nature and to possibly change the course of events. In fiction, a musician uses his instrument and talent to charm the military while he passes ammunition to peasant guerrillas. And Strange Culture shows––in an unconventionally told documentary––what can happen when artists question the U.S. government.
Join us in capturing the spirit of enlightenment and encouragement that these filmmakers express in fiction and nonfiction films, addressing historical events and showing how we are in danger of repeating past mistakes.
All titles in the HRWIFF are in English or subtitled in English where another language is noted.
For a listing of the films in the series go to Program Overview.
Click on
Calendar to view the schedule, film descriptions and, to purchase tickets online.
Human Rights Watch has joined forces with some of the world's most respected photojournalists to investigate the pressing human rights issues in our times. The exhibition On the Frontlines will be on view in the Frieda and Roy Furman Gallery, adjacent to the Walter Reade Theater's lobby, from June 14 – 28. Gallery hours are 2-8 pm daily; free and open to the public.
The Human Rights Watch Internal Film Festival is organized by Bruni Burres, John Biaggi, Andrea Holley and Jennifer Nedbalsky of Human Rights Watch and Marian Masone of the Film Society. Thanks to Jane Olson, Chair, and Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch; Claudia Bonn, Executive Director and Richard Peña, Program Director, Film Society of Lincoln Center, and Marina Pinto Kaufman, HRWIFF Chair.
