| Themes |
Freedom of Expression
Can a country function without freedom of expression? Free media and free speech are fundamental to the continued existence, or the establishment, of a fair and just society. Documentary film has become one of the most important channels for independent thought and reporting. We look at how free speech is dealt with in different countries. From brutal murders of those that speak, to long-term imprisonment, to self-censorship in countries we perceive as free democracies.
Come and see the following films and you will be challenged to think about what you really understand to be the limits of free speech.
 |
Shockwaves
2007, 52min, Canada, Pierre Mignault
The journalists of Radio Okapi believe that freedom of speech is the most important factor in building stable democratic institutions. They risk everything to ensure local voices report the truth about the violence and oppression that dominates this country.
As the world media at last seems to have woken up to what is going on in this country what role does the local media have in reporting the truth?
|
 |
Freedom of Expression
2007, 52mins, USA, Media Education Foundation
Resistance and repression in the age of intellectual property. A look at how creativity and free expression of ideas is restricted by intellectual property law. The legal and ethical battles are being fought in all arenas to gain control over our cultural commons.
The worrying increase in how the law is affecting free expression in our society.
Link
The official website
http://freedomofexpression.us/dvd.html
For those of you interested in free speech and creativity in the multimedia age. Buy the DVD and the book of the same name. |
 |
An Independent Mind
2008, 90min, UK, Rex Bloomstein
An excellent and thought-provoking film on Freedom of Expression. Diverse stories from people whose lives are fundamentally affected by the limits of free speech imposed by their societies.
The rights and wrongs of free speech, from moving, inspirational and controversial personal stories - what do you think?
Director Rex Bloomstein and poet/journalist Faraj Bayrakdar will be with us for discussion.
|
 |
Letter to Anna: the Story of Journalist Politkovskaya's Death
2008, 84mins, Switzerland, Erik Bergkraut
A film about the life and death of Anna Politkovskaya the Russian journalist and human rights activist well known for her opposition to the Chechen conflict and Russian president Putin.
Is anyone able to report what is happening in Russia today?
Link
The official website
www.lettertoanna.com
Reviews, more about the participants, buy the DVD.
|
|
