A Lens on Human Rights: Film Festival Marks Amnesty's 50th Anniversary

Artists, musicians and filmmakers have always played a crucial role in the human rights movement, using their voices to protest injustices and inspire others to care. This Saturday, October 15th this vital relationship continues, as the Hamptons International Film Festival marks the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International with a special panel focusing on the 50-year legacy of the American Civil Rights Movement.

The panel looks at this movement through three feature films about Americans who worked tirelessly for human dignity and equality during the 1950s and 1960s: Sing Your Song about Harry Belafonte; The Loving Story; and All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert.  The panel will be an open discussion featuring each of the film directors, led by Amnesty International USA board member Joan Libby Hawk. If you’re in the New York area, join us at 2PM October 15th at the First Presbyterian Church Session House in East Hampton, New York.

Also on Saturday at 5PM Amnesty International USA’s Demand Dignity Campaign Director Tanuka Loha will introduce the film Scenes Of A Crime. Winner of the Grand Jury Award at the 2011 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Scenes Of A Crime deftly navigates the case of Adrian Thomas, a young father in Troy, New York accused of killing his four-month-old son.

We also encourage you to check out the 12th annual Films of Conflict and Resolution, a series of seven powerful films aimed at the human rights impacts of war and violence.  Films will focus on the unique stories of individuals affected around the globe.