Special Programme on Human Rights

"When I walked out of prison, that was my mission, to liberate the oppressed and the oppressor both. Some say that has now been achieved. But I know that that is not the case. The truth is that we are not yet free; we have merely achieved the freedom to be free, the right not to be oppressed. We have not taken the final step of our journey, but the first step on a longer and even more difficult road. For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. The true test of our devotion to freedom is just beginning.” – Nelson Mandela

This year’s human rights programme of PÖFF continues under the ambitious title given to it last year – Freedom to Be Free. These words by Nelson Mandela provide a suitable link among the diverse topics dealt with in the films. Like last year, the programme includes films from every corner of the world – starting from Germany, Ukraine and Italy, ending in Brazil and Sri Lanka. Topics include children in Ukrainian mines, children in prostitution, Palestinians in Gaza sector, the Romas and Moslems in Europe, illegal entrants and women’s rights.

This year, the human rights programme will have a sub-programme “Diversity enriches” which concentrates on films that demonstrate the richness around us – different people with diverse understandings and dreams – and how easy it is to occasionally forget about that richness and make the community more poor as a result.

As a companion to the film programme, there are discussions taking place on the specific topics covered by films. After the screenings everyone is welcome to join in the open discussions in Solaris Centre’s atrium with the film directors and other experts.