Invitation to join film festival, global debate on human rights

The films will be available for downloading from 1-10 December 2011, to coincide with International Human Rights Day on 10 December.

People around the world are encouraged to use these award-winning films to raise awareness and consciousness, while strengthening the culture of human rights, wherever they are.

Climate and environmental justice

It has also included a selection of films about climate and environmental justice to coincide with the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change, its Conference of Parties, COP17, taking place in Durban, South Africa from 28 November until 9 December 2011. Climate change is affecting some of the world's poorest people - creating new vulnerabilities and causing permanent damage to our planet's natural environments.

The organisers recommend that viewing be done in groups to be effective. Audiences may need help after screenings to get discussions going. As a host, it is a good idea to come prepared with ideas of how to get audiences engaged and how to encourage that a vibrant and participatory conversation takes place after each viewing.

Human rights are universal

The organisers hope that their selection gets people motivated to ask questions, say how they feel and take part in lively debate.

This film festival has been created to celebrate, in order to ensure that human rights are universal and that one day, the world will be able to state with pride that "every human has rights" and that they are enforced and protected.

For more, go to www.3continentsfestival.co.za.