December 13 2024
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The power of cinema: Raising awareness on World Press Freedom Day
Israa Radaydeh, Jordan News
last updated:
May 03,2023
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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.