Cape Town hosted the much-anticipated 7th edition of the Africa Human Rights Film Festival, drawing local activists, filmmakers, and human rights defenders into vibrant discussions on climate and environmental justice. After its September debut in the Kalahari Desert, the festival returned to Cape Town, offering two days of impactful film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions from October 4-5.
The event, held at the Bertha Movie House in Mowbray and the Isivivana Community Centre in Khayelitsha, was supported by partners including the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa and Oxfam. These organizations joined forces to raise awareness of critical human rights and environmental challenges through film.
Davison Mudzingwa, the festival manager, emphasized the urgent focus on environmental issues: “This year, we aimed to highlight the voices of brave rights defenders who risk their lives in the pursuit of justice, especially in the context of climate change and environmental degradation.”
Audiences were captivated by over 20 films from Africa and South America, with titles such as Zambezia: A Well For Change, In Your Eyes, Cocoon of Pain, and Blood For Oil sparking emotional responses and rich conversations. The films tackled themes ranging from resource extraction to the devastating effects of environmental destruction on vulnerable communities.
The festival also spotlighted the work of young filmmakers from the Kalahari, who had the opportunity to showcase the storytelling skills gained through festival support. These emerging voices provided a fresh perspective on the issues facing indigenous communities, adding layers of depth to the festival’s offerings.
The festival featured a two-day workshop led by filmmaker and climate justice activist Jacqueline van Meygaarden, designed to foster collaboration between creatives and activists. Participants engaged in discussions on how to harness the power of storytelling to drive social change and inspire future advocacy.
Mudzingwa highlighted the festival’s unique role in bridging communities: “Our goal is to empower young storytellers, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, and give them a platform to share their experiences. We hope to extend these opportunities to youth across the Western Cape in the coming years.”
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