Sunday, 26th November 2006: AI Film Screening: Defending Women – Defending Rights @ KLPac

International Day Against Violence Against Women

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL FILM SCREENING
“DEFENDING WOMEN – DEFENDING RIGHTS”

in conjunction with 16 days of activism against gender violence

26th November 2006 @ IndiCine, KLPac | klpac.com
by invitation only
for bookings, call 03-7955 2680 or email aimmalaysia

1st Session – 2.30pm

Women in Aceh
By: Rob Brouwer (Amnesty International Dutch Section); 2005; Indonesia
Duration: 10 minutes
Language: Dutch / English subtitles

The documentary gives a glimpse of the situation of the women in Aceh after the 2004 tsunami disaster. In particular, it focuses on the work of a women’s organisation called Flower Aceh. For 15 years, Flower Aceh has been actively helping women who have fallen victim to violence, including torture and rape. Staff members are regularly threatened because of their job.

In the Time of the Butterflies
By: Mariano Barroso (2001; USA)
Duration: 88 minutes
Language: English

This is an inspiring story about the Mirabel sisters who are referred to as the “Inolvidables Mariposas”, the Unforgettable Butterflies whose brutal assassination was one of the events that helped end the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic in the 1960s. Their story has become a symbol against victimisation of women. The memory of the Mirabel sisters and their struggle for freedom and respect for human rights for all has transformed them into symbols of dignity and inspiration.

2nd Session – 7pm

The Noble Struggle of Amina Wudud
By: Elli Safari (2006; USA)
Duration: 29 minutes
Language: English

Wadud is a subject of much debate and Muslim juristic discourse after leading a mixed gender Islamic Friday prayer congregation in New York on 18 March 2005. Following 1400 years of male exclusivity to the function of an imam, her action caused global awareness of the struggle for women’s rights within Islam. But it also sparked violence and death threats against her.

Offside
By: Jafar Panahi (2006; Iran)
Duration: 88 minutes
Language: Farsi with English subtitles

A provocative critique of the Islamic Republic’s oppressive treatment of women. It begins with a young girl on a bus travelling to a match in the company of likewise excited male fans. The crucial difference being that, unlike them, she isn’t legally allowed to attend. Like other females, some of whom resort to drag in their determination to see the game, she must first persuade a tout to sell her a ticket. Then, she has to avoid the body-search guards encircling the stadium. And lastly, she hopes that she won’t be betrayed by the male spectators.

For more information about Amnesty International Malaysia, visit aimalaysia.org