Louise Armitt and Antonio Ferrara talked about their campaign for Social Justice, using their skills as film makers.
They began by spot-lighting UN Resolution 1325 which had been subjected to a mock trial which asked the question “Has It Been Effective?” At a Global Summit held at the Excel Centre in London on 10th to 12th June 2014, an attempt to end sexual violence in conflict had not been successful. There had been no improvement in situations where any country without law carried out the most horrendous acts against the vulnerable members of society. Lawyers for the Defence and for the Prosecution argued the case before a duly appointed Judge, calling authentic witnesses, and the conclusion was that UN Resolution 1325 had not been effective in ending sexual violence in conflict, particularly rape. The voices of victims were still not being heard, and no one who had suffered had received justice.
A series of short films was then showed: “Rappers in Prison”, “Female Genital Mutilation” “Family Intervention Unit “, all designed to improve the fate of people in trouble. Another short film was shown about Trade Union Representatives of the Royal College of Nursing attending a Changemakers Conference, aimed at preventing the National Health Service from being devalued by disaffection or disillusionment.
The last film shown was “The Divine Physician”. It was taken into Schools and was inspired by the “Ba’hai Faith”. So far it had been shown in Northern Ireland, Hackney and Surrey schools. Children aged 11 – 14 discuss constructive and destructive forces in society. Racism is combatted by the children deciding that “We are all the same. We are people”
In conclusion, Louise and Antonio spoke about the terrible situation in South Sudan, where conflict and persecution are occurring daily.
Rodney Mantle, UNA Twickenham & Richmond