The fifth Pacific Human Rights Film Festival has made a notable impact across the region, gathering more than 3,000 participants under its powerful theme of Loss, Damage, Resilience, and Restoration. This year’s festival aimed to raise awareness about critical human rights issues, fostering a more equitable and compassionate society.
The event commenced with the Oceanic Refractions art installation and included screenings for students from ten secondary schools in Suva, in addition to participants from academic institutions such as the University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University, and the University of Fiji. Spanning five days, the festival was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, ensuring that crucial human rights topics were introduced into educational contexts.
Films showcased at the festival addressed urgent subjects, including the impacts of climate change, inter-generational trauma, the marginalization of traditional Pacific identities, and the consequences of conflict. To enhance understanding and provoke thoughtful discussion, post-screening panels allowed audiences to engage directly with experts, human rights advocates, and film crews.
Miles Young, director of the Human Rights and Social Development division at the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), expressed his enthusiasm about the vibrant discussions that followed the screenings. He remarked, “The discussions that followed the films were respectful, thought-provoking, and insightful,” underscoring the diverse viewpoints on numerous human rights issues raised during the event. Heike Alfenson, the regional representative for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reminded participants that the fight for human rights is a continuous struggle. She noted, “Selected films showcased how courage, creativity, and conviction can help build a more just and equitable future.”
Charlotte Darlow, New Zealand’s High Commissioner, reaffirmed her country’s dedication to promoting human rights and gender equality through its partnership with the festival.
Collaboration has been central to the festival’s establishment, involving various stakeholders including the SPC, USP, the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, Film Fiji, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. By combining traditional cinema with modern social issues, the festival successfully transformed viewing into a dynamic educational experience.
The impressive turnout and meaningful conversations at the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival reflect an increasing awareness and a collective call to action regarding human rights throughout the region. As the festival continues to illuminate vital concerns, it holds potential for nurturing a more empathetic and informed society across the Pacific.