Celebrating human rights stories and social changes through film

“Artists and creatives have always been at the vanguard of social change – we rely on them to hold a mirror to the uneasy truths of our times and reflect our stories,” says Lauren Valmadre, Program Director of the 2017 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival.

The stories the festival presents, Lauren says, are at times challenging, inspiring and hopeful: “but they are always on HRAFF’s radar to showcase.”

The festival, which celebrates its 10^th anniversary this year, has stayed true to its mission across its lifespan: engaging and inspiring audiences on human rights issues through art, film, music and conversation.

“The festival started from very humble beginnings, created by a group of passionate law students and has now expanded to a fully operational organisation,” Lauren says.

“It’s grown exponentially for such a young festival.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the festival screened The Opposition in its Australian premiere. The documentary is Melbourne filmmaker Hollie Fifer’s debut feature, who initiated the project when she was a student at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS).

The Opposition chronicles the demolishment of a shanty settlement in Papua New Guinea and then-opposition leader Dame Carol Kidu’s battle with the government to save it. Dame Carol later sued to have the footage in which she appeared redacted from Hollie’s film.

Canberrans will have the opportunity to see the film on the opening night of the Canberra leg of HRAFF, on 29 May.

“It’s an incredibly important and powerful film that is sure to move audiences,” Lauren says.

“I strongly urge audiences not to miss this incredible film.”

The ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences is proud to be a National Tour Partner of the 2017 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. The festival runs in Canberra from 29-31 May at Palace Electric in New Acton. Details of the Canberra program are available on their website.