Presented by:
Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law & the Center for Social Media
October 3 - October 24, 2006
The Center, in conjunction with the AU Center for Social Media, the Center for Global Peace, the Kay Spiritual Life Center, and School of International Service sponsored the Seventh Annual Human Rights Film Series. The Film Series explores ways in which film and media can be used to promote and protect human rights.
Out of respect for those breaking the Ramadan fast, light refreshments were served at each screening. Each film was followed by a discussion with a guest speaker from local NGOs and institutions.
AMANDLA! (2002)
Runtime: 108 minutes
Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony is a 2002 documentary film depicting the struggles of black South Africans against the injustices of Apartheid through the use of music. The film takes its name from the Zulu word amandla, which means power.
In the film, prominent South African musicians, playwrights, poets and activists recall the struggle against Apartheid from the 1940's to the 1990's, and the important role that music played in that struggle. The documentary uses a mixture of interviews, musical performances and historical film footage. Among the famous South Africans who take part are Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Hugh Masakela, Vusi Mahlasela and others.
The film won the Audience Award and the Freedom of Expression Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, where it was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize. It also won awards at several other film festivals including those in Telluride, Colorado and Sydney.
| At WCL: | Tuesday, October 3, 2006 | 
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| At Main Campus: | Wednesday October 4, 2006 |
THE AGRONOMIST (2003)
Runtime:
90 minutes
The Agronomist is a 2003 American documentary following the life of Jean Leopold Dominique, who ran Haiti's first independent radio station, Radio Haiti-Inter, during multiple repressive regimes. While almost a majority of any repressive society would silence its critics, Radio Haiti-Inter wasn't silenced for decades. Even after his assassination, his wife and fellow journalist, Michèle Montas, tried to keep the radio broadcast going until it finally collapsed 3 years after his assassination.
| At WCL: | Tuesday, October 10, 2006 | 
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| At Main Campus: | Wednesday October 11, 2006 Wechsler Theatre, 3rd floor, Mary Graydon Center, 5:30 p.m. |
MAQUILAPOLIS (2006)
Runtime: 60 minutes
Just over the border in Tijuana, Mexico is an area peppered with maquiladoras: massive sweatshops often owned by the world's largest multinational corporations. This exceptional film documents the life of Carmen and Lourdes, two workers at a maquiladora who are able to offer personal perspectives on the story of globalization as they struggle to survive in the gureling life of a globalized city.
The film meets women who are each dealing with the hardships of environmental toxins, labor rights abuse, infrastructure and housing issues, and women's rights. Maquilapolis approaches the workers as experts who can provide us with keys to our common future, inviting them to co-author their own story on videotape.
| At WCL: | Tuesday, October 17, 2006 WCL Room 603 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm | 
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| At Main Campus: | Wednesday October 18, 2006 Wechsler Theatre, 3rd floor, Mary Graydon Center, 5:30 p.m. |
CHINA BLUE (2005)
Runtime: 86 minutes
In this film, the words "Made in China" are given new meaning as documentary filmmaker Micha Peled delves into the Chinese clothing industry. The film follows the life of 16-year old denim thread-cutter Jasmine, who, along with the millions of other factory workers in China, must struggle under the pressures of rising Western demands and shrinking wages. The documentary discusses both alleged sweatshop conditions in factories in China and the growing importance of China as an exporting country on a global scale.
At the 2005 Amnesty International film festival, it won the Amnesty International-DOEN Award. In April 2007 China Blue aired on the award winning PBS series Independent Lens.
| At WCL: | Tuesday, October 24, 2006 WCL Rm. 603 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm | 
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All screenings are FREE. Discussions with experts followed each screening. The Human Rights Film Series is sponsored by the Washington College of Law's Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and the School of Communication's Center for Social Media, in collaboration with the Center for Global Peace, the International Peace and Conflict Resolution Program, and the Office of the University Chaplain, all of American University. WCL ADDRESS: 4801 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC |
