YOUTH PRODUCING CHANGE - Human Rights Watch International Film Festival at the MFA

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at the Museum of Fine Arts

Youth Producing Change (Boston premiere)
Founding Presenter: Adobe Youth Voices
Run time: 78 minutes

A program of short films directed and produced by youth from across the globe. Armed with digital cameras, computers and their own boundless creativity – these young people bravely expose human rights issues faced by themselves and their communities. It’s time that we listen to what they have to say. Screening in partnership with Facing History and Ourselves.

Schedule:

Friday January 16, 2009
10am – Free YOUTH PRODUCING CHANGE screening for school groups, Q&A with youth filmmakers to follow *To reserve a free spot for your class please email ypcboston@hrw.org.
6:30pm – YOUTH PRODUCING CHANGE screening, Q&A with youth filmmakers and free reception at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts to follow.

Tickets: Members, seniors, and students $8; general admission $10.
Click here to reserve your tickets: www.mfa.org/calendar/event.asp?eventkey=36955&date=1/16/2009 *Special Offer: BUY ONE STUDENT TICKET at the box office, GET ONE FREE upon presentation of valid student ID. *Offer not valid for online, or telephone ticket purchases.

FILMS INCLUDED IN YOUTH PRODUCING CHANGE LINEUP:
The Countdown
Rene Dongo, Fast Forward Program at The Institute of Contemporary Art—US—2007—6m—doc
In English
A plane left spoken word artist Sofia Snow’s hometown on September 11th, never reaching its destination. Sofia shares her hope that society can work to fill the empty space left by the tragedy.

Women Empowerment
Lithiko Mthobeli, in collaboration with Siphokazi, Athi, Ongezwa and Daza, Bridges to Understanding – South Africa—2007— 5m—doc
In English
Reflecting on the harsh reality mothers face in raising children alone in their township, these young South African filmmakers celebrate their mothers' resilience to overcome the obstacles that lay before them.

I Want My Parents Back
Aaron Dominguez, Euniz Gonzalez, Argenis Herrera, Garrett Hayes, Khirye Rice, Melly Jenny, Nathan Villalobos, Omar Flores and Cody Marshall of Media Arts Center San Diego – US/Mexico—2007— 11m—doc
In English and Spanish
The impact of U.S. immigration policies hit home when the undocumented parents of the Munoz family are deported without warning to Mexico, leaving their 3 young American-born children behind.

Islands of the People
Amber Good, Raven Hausman-Hayward, Justin Klevgaard and Jesse Williams of Atira Women’s Resource Society, in partnership with the Old Massett Youth Program – Haida Gwaii, Canada —2007—6m—doc
In English and Haida
Amber Good is a 13 year old Haida girl with a very important role to play. Facing the dark history of colonization and forced assimilation that nearly wiped out her culture, Amber makes a commitment to learn the Haida language from her grandmother Nonnie Mary Swanson, one of the last living people who can speak, read and write in Haida.

The True Cost of Coal
Brittany Hunsaker, Autumn Nikki King and Willa Johnson of Appalachian Media Institute, Appalshop, Inc. —US —2007 —14m —doc
In English
Coal mining is a way of life and death in Eastern Kentucky. Despite over 100 years of mining, the communities that provide this work force remain some of the most poverty-stricken and contaminated areas in the United States. As energy prices soar and the government and coal companies unite to increase coal extraction, mountain communities rally to protect their rights.

The Hidden Cost of Cashmere
Zane Scheuerlein, Member of Open Youth Networks – US—2007—3m—doc
In English
THE HIDDEN COST OF CASHMERE cleverly links America's appetite for cheap consumer goods with desertification and the growing environmental crisis.

A Maid Is Not A Slave (Mbindaan Du Jaam)
Mariama Maréna, Seynabou Ciss, Dioundiouba Diagne, Marietou Ndoye Seck, Salimata Sow, Aissatou Gueye Seye, Aminata Dème, Dieynaba Koné of Mariama Ba Girls Boarding School – Senegal, West Africa—2007—5m—drama
In French with English Subtitles
Kiné, a young Senegalese girl is sent to the city to work as a maid in order to support her family back home. When her employers begin to abuse her - who is there to protect her?

Slave Label
Philosophy students from Queen Elizabeth School in partnership with Whitewood & Fleming– U.K.—2007— 18m—doc
In English
How much do your new jeans cost? Who made them and how much did they get paid? Two teenage girls embark on an eye-opening journey as they discover the dark truth behind the clothing industry and take a stand for change.

Playing with the Other Tigers
Zachary Lennon-Simon of Reel Works Teen Filmmaking—US—2007—10m—doc
In English
The story of two childhood best friends, Amir who is Muslim and Zach who is half-Jewish. When Amir is harassed after 9/11, their friendship takes on added significance.

Adobe Youth Voices
Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation's global philanthropic initiative that empowers youth from underserved communities worldwide to comment on their world using multimedia and digital tools to communicate and share their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and take action in their communities. By harnessing the energy and insight of youth and enabling them to express themselves, their opinions, and aspirations, Adobe Youth Voices aims to inspire a dialogue for change in their communities. In and out of the classroom, Adobe Youth Voices utilizes the power of technology as part of the learning experience for middle-and high-school aged youth to enable them to think creatively, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively--critical 21st century skills. For more information, visit www.adobe.com/go/youthvoices.