Films vie for Amnesty Human Rights Prize

Established in an effort to support the promotion of human rights in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, the Amnesty International Human Rights Prize will be awarded to the maker of the feature-length Caribbean film screening at ttff/16 which best highlights a human rights issue.

“Caribbean film-makers continue to speak out about issue impacting gender equality, indigenous people’s rights, the treatment of children, discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, the situation of Haitian migrants and Dominicans of Haitian descent and so much more, empowering many who remain voiceless, through their medium. As long as human rights violations continue to exist, there will always be a need for films that speak so eloquently about the issues,” Chiara Sangiorgio, thematic adviser at Amnesty International, said in a media release.

According to Annabelle Alcazar, programme director at the ttff: “Caribbean film-makers and writers have always been fearless in addressing issues that affect and impact the region, and the medium of film remains a powerful vehicle in the struggle for justice, equality and peace. As a showcase for the best in Caribbean cinema, the trinidad+tobago film festival remains committed to providing a space for such important work.” This year the three films in competition for the Amnesty International prize are: Se Bondye vie Yuli /God Willing Yuli Director: Jean Jean Haiti/Dominican Republic Antes que Cante el Callo / Before the Rooster Crows

Director: Ar? Maniel Cruz Puerto Ric El Acompa?ante/The Companion

Director: Pavel Giroud Cuba The winning film will be chosen by a three-member jury.

This year’s jury comprises Sunity Maharaj, a media consultant and trainer, and the managing director of the Lloyd Best Institute of the West Indies; Folade Mutota, a social development advisor and lobbyist and the founder of the Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD). This organisation’s ground-breaking work in the area of women, gender, gun violence and peacemaking has received regional and international recognition.

Sangiorgio, Amnesty International’s London-based co-ordinator of the campaign for the abolition of the death penalty, is the third member of the jury.

In addition to receiving a trophy, the winning film-maker will also TT $5,000 cash.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than three million members, supporters and activists in over 150 countries and territories.

The organisation exposes human rights violations and campaigns for their full enjoyment for everyone around the world. It is independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and is funded mainly by its membership and public donations.