The power of cinema: Raising awareness on World Press Freedom Day

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Cinema provides a powerful tool for raising awareness about sensitive and global issues, one of them is freedom of the press. With the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day, UNESCO and Ma3mal612 Think Factory partnered to host a series of film screenings aimed at highlighting the challenges faced by journalists around the world.اضافة اعلان

These films serve as to highlight the vital roles of the press in a healthy democracy, as well as the importance of protecting journalists, and their ability to report the news without fear of retaliation.

Serving as an educational tool to raise awareness, the films showcase the stories of reporters who face threats from governments, corporations, and individuals seeking to silence them, and illustrate the crucial role that a free press plays in promoting transparency and accountability.

For young filmmakers and emerging screenwriters who are interested in exploring the intersection of human rights and cinema, these films highlight a new realm of filmmaking, one that focuses on social justice issues, and how the art of filmmaking is not just reduced to one genre.



EndangeredEndangered, a 2022 documentary film directed by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing details threats against journalists around the world.

The film follows four journalists who have dealt with incredible threats: Maria Ressa, a Filipino journalist who has been imprisoned for her reporting on President Rodrigo Duterte; John Sweeney, an American journalist who has been threatened and attacked for his work on organized crime; Khadija Ismayilova, an Azerbaijani journalist who has been forced to flee her country after being targeted by the government; and Amy Goodman, an American journalist who has been arrested and detained for her reporting on the Occupy Wall Street movement.



The film leaves the audience questioning the roles of journalists around the world and to what extent is the freedom of truth important, even with the fear of persecution.

Although timely, well-made, and informative, the film did feel slow at time and could have used



The Journey is the Destination
The 2016 biographical drama film directed by Bronwen Hughes and written by Tom Bezucha. stars Ben Schnetzer portraying Daniel Eldon, a young British photojournalist who was killed in the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. The film also stars Kelly Macdonald, Sam Hazeldine, Barkhad Abdi, and Brendan Fraser which is set to be screened on May 4, 2023.

The film follows Eldon from his early days as a teenager growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, to his death in Somalia at the age of 22. Along the way, Eldon witnesses the horrors of war and famine, but he also finds beauty and hope in the human spirit.

The film is a moving and inspiring portrait of a young man who dedicated his life to telling the stories of those who often go unheard.



Ben Schnetzer gives a standout performance as Eldon, capturing the young man's idealism, compassion, and his sense of adventure.

The supporting also gave memorable performances.

It is a beautifully made film that is both heartbreaking and uplifting. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in photojournalism and the impacts of war.


The Cost of Freedom
This film highlights the cost paid for those who are persecuted and must flee, and are taken in as refugees.

The story, while sad, portrays hope and resilience, as it shows how these three journalists are determined to continue their work, even in the face of adversity, which will be screened on May 6, 2023.



A great film that is both, informative and engaging. Given some of the current issues in the world with discussions regarding freedom of speech, it highlights current threats that are still relevant today.

Overall, The Cost of Freedom: Refugee Journalists in Canada was a well-made and important and is an essential viewing for anyone who cares about freedom of speech.

The films are currently screening this week at Ma3mal 612 Think Factory, these films can be found to be screened online.


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