Capital to host 2nd edition of human rights film fest

Feb 3, 2012 IANS

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The capital is set to host the second edition of Flashpoint Human Rights Film Festival, which will bring 16 films from various parts of the world focusing on issues like violence, fundamentalism and corruption to gender discrimination and homophobia.

Feroze Gujral, eminent media and fashion personality, and the director of the philanthropic art foundation Outset India, and Max Claudet, Cooperation And Cultural Counsellor, French Embassy will innauguarte the three-day festival at the Alliance Française de Delhi Friday.

Films from Kenya, Senegal, Colombia, Israel, Iraq, Kurdistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Cameroon and the US will be screened. This year six films set in India -- "Firaaq", "Mee Sindutai Sakpal", "Cotton For My Shroud", "Made In India", "In Search Of My Home" and "Pink Saris" -- will also be showcased.

"The first step towards fighting human rights violation is creating awareness. Only when someone knows there is a problem can one raise a voice and ignite change. Entry to the festival is free and there is no need for pre-registration. We want everyone to be able to see the films and participate in the discussions," festival director Sridhar Rangayan said in a statement.

The festival is organised by Solaris Pictures in collaboration with Alliance Française de Delhi, Movies That Matter and Ramon Productions.

On the inaugural day, project Bolo, a comprehensive LGBT oral history project that records 20 LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) persons in four cities who open up in a candid manner to offer an inside view into their lives, views and accomplishments, will be launched.

"We need to create an inclusive India for all its citizens, and this includes its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender minorities. I have so many friends from this community and I have always felt angry that their voices are not heard enough. Project Bolo finally amplifies some of these voices, and shows, how, in their own ways, members of this community are not so different from the rest of us, in their lives, hopes and dreams," said Gujral.

She will launch the DVDs of Project Bolo.