Human Rights Film Awards put a special emphasis on Ireland’s economic matters
The fourth annual Human Rights Film Awards took place at Dublin’s Light House Cinema recently, hosted by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL).
According to organisers, the aim of the festival is to provide an opportunity for people to contribute to the human rights discourse in Ireland through the medium of film.
Five short films were shown on the night, three of which were awarded on the basis of the quality of work, originality and the significance of human rights in the story.
All the documentaries focused on the need to improve respect for the human rights of vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on social and economical rights.
Taking first place was Miracle Man by Roser Corella and Alfonso Moral, which investigates the working conditions of people from Bangladesh’s lower castes, the same conditions that allow the developed world to enjoy low prices for various goods.
Other winners are Hold on Tight, by Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipovic, reporting the difficulties still faced by same-sex couples in Ireland, and Padres, which depicts the struggle faced by a couple going through the adoption process.
Introducing the awards, ICCL director Mark Kelly invited more people to take part to the competition to raise greater awareness about the issues involved.
Audience member Lee MacOealt told Metro Éireann that he appreciated the sometimes shocking revelations about his own society on the big screen.
“The films have shown people for what they are: human beings,” he added.
David O’Sullivan echoed that sentiment. “It is good to see an event which focuses on human rights,” he said. “It is important that such happenings take place to acknowledge [the people involved].”
