One World: Film Festival Highlights Global Human Rights Struggle

March 10 — The One World Documentary Human Rights Film Festival begins today. Featuring 101 films from 30 countries in Prague until March 18 (and throughout the Czech Republic during the next month), the festival is among Europe’s most important events spotlighting human rights. Among the focuses of this year’s themes are Iran, Green Challenges, Tolerance and Women’s Voices. To learn more visit www.oneworld.cz/2010.

Opening Film

The opening film of the 12th annual One World festival will be the Iranian documentary Green Days. This extremely relevant film documents one the worst examples of the suppression of democratic principles in recent years. Since the violent crackdown of post-election demonstrations last summer, People in Need has helped organise discussions, screenings and happenings in support of the Iranian opposition. During this year’s festival, People in Need would also like to emphasise the longstanding role played by student activists in the pro-democracy movement in that country.

Czech Human Rights Award to Iranian Students

Two imprisoned Iranian student leaders were honored at the One World Film Festival in Prague with Homo Homini, an award for leadership in the fight for human rights.  People in Need NGO’s bestowed the honor on the duo, saying the award was designed for people who have contributed to the protection of global human rights.  Along with the imprisoned Iranian students, Madjid Tavakoli and Abdullah Momeni, People in Need symbolically awarded the whole Iranian student movement.