Tri Continental Film Festival

The philosophy and approach of this programme may be described as follows:

• forging links between those engaged in cinematic production in Latin America, Africa, and Asia;
• promoting the use of audio-visual medium as a communication tool that encourages and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom;
• presenting socially relevant and appropriate films that explore the interconnectedness between oppression, denial of fundamental rights, and social and economic decay and alienation;
• presenting films that explore the linkages between social struggles, respect for fundamental rights, and the recognition of personal dignity and community empowerment; and
• recognising that artistic merit and historical accuracy are essential components to popularising human rights values through the audiovisual medium.

In order to ensure that the films reached a broad range of audiences, organisers used a multi-faceted screening approach. Screenings were held at universities and in townships, urban areas, and rural areas. The latter outreach was accomplished through the use of mobile units to screen films in rural, Western Cape province communities (after consultation with provincial governments and community-based organisations).

The screenings featured films on environmental awareness, sexual harassment, socio-economic rights, women's issues, HIV/AIDS, self-determination, democracy, civil liberties, and transitional justice. Prior to the festival, organisers stated that their goal was to show half of the films from the African continent, with a large proportion of that half being films from Southern African countries alone.

Engaging the South African community in discussions about the themes highlighted in the film was a key programme strategy. For instance, at each of the universities at which films were screened, corresponding seminars were held addressing specific films but also generally addressing various human rights themes as presented in these films. Similar facilitated forums were held after screenings in rural areas.

This programme also used the Internet to broaden access to the films. On a continuing basis, visitors to the 3 Continents Festival site may download and view films (click on a continent to view a list of films).

Rights, Democratic Values.

Organisers explain that, "In many ways, South Africa must be viewed as an emerging democracy with an aspirant human rights culture that needs to be nurtured and promoted through a variety of mediums. One of the most powerful ways to foster a human rights culture in this country and transmit positive messages about democratic values is through popular cultural and in particular through the visual medium of film and video."

The Festival is an expansion of the educational and outreach programme of Lawyers for Human Rights.