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by MEB Journal Staff
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The Bahrain Human Rights International Film Festival is set to screen twenty films on human rights from Iraq, Palestine, Pakistan, and other countries in the region from May 1 through 4. But the festival will not screen films from Bahrain. “All the films will be given to the censor board at the Ministry of Information for approval,” says festival director Nasser Burdestani. Organized by Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development and the Bahrain Society for Public Freedom and Support for Democracy, the event is the region’s first human rights film festival and is costing organizers about BD 10,000 ($26,500). The Ministry provided BD 7,000 ($18,600), according to Burdestani, while Movies that Matter, a Netherlands' based independent media organization, put €5,000 ($7,600) toward the project. “We are looking out for more sponsors to make the festival a success,” says Burdestani. Organizers are inviting filmmakers from Europe and North America to attend and “to share experience.” Burdestani says the festival aims to highlight the work of Indian spiritual leader and human rights activist Mahatma Gandhi, as 2008 marks 60 years since his passing. “The history of human rights will be showcased to educate the public,” says Burdestani, using Gandhi’s work as a prime example. The festival will include special activities on May 3, which is World Press Freedom Day. |
