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Czech LifeHuman rights documentaries a hit with Czech teenagers: Roughly half of the country’s schools participate in the One World project
Every year, the colorful One World film festival – which just took place
in Prague – turns the spotlight on human rights, screening scores of
often fascinating documentaries from all corners of the globe. It also
directly addresses young people, lending eye-opening DVDs to around half
the schools in the Czech Republic, and holding special screenings for
pupils. More
One on OneMark Henderson – filmmaker who returned to Colombia to ask questions of the man who held him captive
Mark Henderson has been through what has to be one of the most frightening
things anybody could ever experience: being kidnapped. He was among a group
of Western tourists held for over three months by Marxist rebels in
Colombia in 2003. The remarkable thing about Henderson’s story is that
six year later the British TV producer went back to meet and interview one
of the people who held him captive, for the gripping film My Kidnapper.
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ArtsOne World 2010
In this edition of the Arts we meet some of the guests at this year’s One
World international festival of human rights documentaries in Prague,
including an Oscar-nominee from the jury, the winner of the main
competition and the recipient of the Václav Havel award.
More
Current AffairsRwanda’s post-genocide community courts focus of One World film My Neighbor, My Killer
My Neighbor, My Killer, which is being screened at the One World festival
of human rights documentaries in Prague, focuses on local tribunals called
Gacaca set up following the horrific 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Under the
Gacaca system, the victims give testimony in front of their communities
against the perpetrators, who in many cases live alongside them. I asked
the film’s Anne Aghion what had drawn her to the subject.
More
Current AffairsUntiring journalist elicits groundbreaking testimonies from ex-Khmer Rouge men in One World film Enemies of the People
Enemies of the People, one of over 100 films being screened at the One
World festival of human rights documentaries in Prague, follows the
journalist Thet Sambath as he tracks down and speaks to former members of
the Khmer Rouge in his native Cambodia. The result is a series of
groundbreaking interviews, including one with Pol Pot’s one-time
right-hand man, Nuon Chea. The film’s co-director Rob Lemkin told me
about Thet Sambath and his remarkable journey.
More
Current AffairsAfghan society more advanced than we might imagine, says maker of One World film War and Love in Kabul
War and Love in Kabul, which is being screened at the One World festival of
human rights documentaries in Prague, tells the Romeo and Juliet-like story
of a couple who have loved one another since childhood but are prevented
from living together because of social and religious conventions. Hossein
has been left crippled after being recruited by the Taliban, while Shaima
was sold into marriage to a man 40 years her senior. I spoke to the
director of War and Love in Kabul, Helga Reidemeister, and first asked how
she had ever found the subjects of such a personal story.
More
Current AffairsOne World film Mugabe and the White African documents one man’s legal battle against dictator
Mugabe and the White African, which is being shown at the One World
festival of human rights documentaries in Prague, follows Michael Campbell,
one of the few white farmers left in Zimbabwe after years of land seizures,
as he takes the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe to court at the Southern
African Development Community (SADC). Campbell wins his legal battle
against the dictator, but at great cost to himself and his family. I spoke
to one of the directors of Mugabe and the White African, Lucy Bailey.
More
Current AffairsNorth America’s “punk Islam” scene focus of One World film Taqwacore
The film Taqwacore, which is being screened in the One World festival of
human rights documentaries in Prague, focuses on young American Muslims who
have embraced rebellious punk rock music, leading to disapproval from some
in their community. I spoke to its director Omar Majeed, who is himself
Pakistani-Canadian, and began by asking about the origins of the style
described in the film as “punk Islam.”
More
Current AffairsSituation in Iran among themes of 2010 One World festival
The 12th One World (Jeden Svět) festival of human rights documentaries
gets underway in Prague on Wednesday evening. Over eight days it will
screen 101 films from 30 states around the world, while around 100
directors and human rights advocates are expected to attend. Every year One
World chooses particular issues to highlight; on the eve of the festival,
its new director Hana Kulhánková told me about this year’s focus.
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