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Exposé of Exploited Workers Scoops Top Human Rights Film Award

Spanish documentary duo Roser Corella and Alfonso Moral scooped the top prize at the Fourth Annual Irish Council for Civil Liberties Human Rights Film Awards Gala, which took place in Dublin's Light House Cinema tonight (Thursday 28 June 2012).

Their winning film, Machine Man, exposes the working conditions of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in our globalised world. The film invites us to follow the lives and hear the voices of manual workers in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, where millions of men and women carry out all manner of labour in the streets, factories, building sites and on the sea shore.

These 'machine men' and women are the engine that keeps this bustling metropolis running and their work allows consumers in developed countries such as Ireland to enjoy 'bargain' prices for goods produced at immense human cost.

Corella and Moral have an accomplished background in documentary making, photography and video journalism, having collaborated with NGOs and news agencies around the world in locations as diverse as Lebanon, Mozambique, Bangladesh and Senegal.

Accepting their prize, Corella and Moral said: 'This Award comes at just the right time to encourage us to continue working on these important issues. The recognition that this Award gives to Machine Man, gives us that extra motivation to keep working in the defense of human rights, through documentary filmmaking'.

The Gala Screening and Awards ceremony, which played to a capacity audience in Screen 1 of Dublin's Light House Cinema, also saw joint second place awards going to the films Hold on Tight by Anna Rodgers and Zlata Filipovic, and to another Spanish effort, Padres, Directed by Liz Lobato. A further prize, for the competition's youth-focussed 'Under a Minute Challenge' was presented by RTɒs Sinead Kennedy to Laura and Robert Gaynor for their minifilm On the QT.

Victoria Smurfit takes to Hollywood beach for Film Awards Jury Duty

Note for Diary and Picture Editors for event taking place on Thursday 28 June in Dublin’s Light House Cinema

Beach photocall shots of Victoria Smurfit taken this week in Los Angeles are linked HERE and below and available to carry in press.

LA-based Irish actress Victoria Smurfit took time out of her busy Hollywood schedule this week to take part in Jury Duty for the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Annual Human Rights Film Awards, Ireland’s only short film competition on human rights.

Taking part in the Awards Jury deliberations for the third year running from her base in Los Angeles, the About a Boy star joined fellow Dublin-based Jury members Brenda Fricker, Kirsten Sheridan, Senator David Norris and others in viewing the shortlist of five outstanding short films in the 4th annual Irish Council for Civil Liberties Human Rights Film Awards, which will be the subject of an exclusive Gala Awards screening at the Light House Cinema on the evening of 28 June 2012.

Unable to attend, due to her Hollywood commitments, Victoria took time out from her busy schedule to show her support for the Awards and for human rights filmmaking in a beachside photo shoot on the LA strip. Photo editors can pick up a selection of shots on the ICCL’s Flickr site HERE:


28 June 2012 Gala Screening Diary Details for Photo Desks and Editors

What : An exclusive and star-studded screening of the 4th Annual ICCL Human Rights Film Awards’ five outstanding shortlisted human rights films, and the award of the Grand Prize.

When: 7pm, 28 June 2012. Red carpet photocall of arrivals in Light House Cinema plaza and lobby to take place from 7pm. Celebrity Jury, Guests and shortlisted filmmakers (details below) arriving for photocall at 7:15pm.
Where: The Light House Cinema, Smithfield, Dublin 7.

Who: Awards Jury members attending include:

Kirsten Sheridan, (Director of August Rush, Disco Pigs and Oscar-nominated co-writer of In America)
Tomm Moore, (Oscar-nominated director of The Secret of Kells)
Sinead Kennedy, (Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge Jury Member and RTE Presenter)
Senator David Norris
Ken Wardrop (Acclaimed director of film His and Hers)
James Morris (chair of the Irish Film Board)

To arrange print and broadcast interviews with the Jury and filmmakers and for further information on the awards screening in the Light House Cinema on 28 June 2012, please contact:

Walter Jayawardene
Communications Manager
Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
9-13 Blackhall Place
Dublin 7
Ireland

Tel. + 353 1 799 4503
Mob: +353 87 9981574
Fax. + 353 1 799 4512

E-mail: walter.jayawardene@iccl.ie
Web: www.iccl.ie

Notes to the editor:
• A photocall to promote the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards with Victoria Smurfit took place this week in LA. A selection of photos is available to Picture Desks at the following Flickr link. Please credit photos to A. Rentmeester. http://www.flickr.com/photos/63083264@N05/sets/72157630294826038/
• The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is Ireland’s first and only short film awards dedicated to human rights.The shortlist of six short films was announced on 30 May 2012. It is available to view online at http://www.humanrightsfilmawards.org/page.php?intPageID=27
• The shortlist will be the subject of an exclusive Gala Awards screening at the Light House Cinema on the evening of 28 June 2012, where the Jury will announce the winning film.
• The Jury comprises acclaimed filmmakers Kirsten Sheridan, Rebecca Miller, Tomm Moore and Ken Wardrop; actors Brenda Fricker, Stephen Rea and Victoria Smurfit; Senator David Norris; Grainne Humphreys, director of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival; Rod Stoneman of the Huston School of Film, Galway; James Morris, Chair of the Irish Film Board and John Kelleher, former Director of IFCO.
• The shortlist was chosen by a panel of experts in human rights and the Arts, including Alan Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Filmbase; John Maguire, Film Critic with the Sunday Business Post; Alicia McGivern, Head of Education at the IFI; Conor Power, Barrister and former ICCL Board member; Marc O’Sullivan, Arts Editor of the Irish Examiner; Suzanne Egan of the UCD School of Law; and Michael Finucane, Solicitor and former ICCL Board member.
• The Awards also has a young persons’ strand, the ‘Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge’, the jury for which includes actors Robert Sheehan, Sarah Bolger and TV presenter Sinead Kennedy

The 2012 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Shortlist – View HERE

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Fricker, Sheridan and Norris Announce Rights Film Shortlist

^{Brenda Fricker and her dog Mr O'Flaherty with fellow Jury Member Senator David Norris at the announcement today of the 2012 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Shortlist}

The shortlist for the 4^th annual Irish Council for Civil Liberties Human Rights Film Awards was today (Wednesday 30 May 2012) announced by a celebrity jury, including Oscar winner Brenda Fricker, Oscar nominated director Kirsten Sheridan and Senator David Norris.

Announcing the shortlist today, Jury Member Kirsten Sheridan said:

“The six films shortlisted in this year’s ICCL Human Rights Film Awards focus sharply on the need to improve respect for the human rights of vulnerable groups. The “stars” of this year’s films are dissidents, exploited labourers, children separated from their parents, same-sex couples reluctant to express their love and couples grappling with adoption dilemmas. Our shortlisted filmmakers capture the dignity of these vulnerable people as they struggle for the respect to which they are entitled.”

The shortlist will be the subject of an exclusive Gala Awards screening at the Light House Cinema on the evening of 28 June 2012, where the Jury will announce the winning film.

The 2012 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Shortlist – Details:

They will shortly be made available to view HERE.

Padres – Director Liz Lobato

In this charming short film by Spanish director Liz Lobato, we see the emotional struggle of a couple as they attempt to navigate Spain’s bureaucratic adoption process. Still wracked with doubt as to whether or not they are making the right choice, the adoption agency reveals at the last minute that their prospective adoptee is not alone, leaving the couple with an important choice to make.

Hold on Tight – Producer Zlata Filipovic, Director Anna Rodgers

Holding hands and kissing in public isn’t for everyone. When it comes to same-sex relationships, showing your love outside of the home is sometimes a complicated personal choice. This short documentary moves between the public and the private spaces in which lesbian and gay couples live, and explores small gestures of human connectedness. These gentle interactions not only carry a huge personal significance, but also the potent power to create social change. Yet for most people, being affectionate beyond the hall door isn’t intended as a political statement – it’s an expression of love.

Machine Man – Director Roser Corella

This documentary by Roser Corella is an elegant exploration of the role of manual human labour in a globalised 21^st century world. The film follows the lives of various workers in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, where millions of men and women carry out all manner of labour in the streets, factories, building sites and on the sea shore. These “machine men” are the engine that keeps this bustling metropolis running, and this film is a glimpse at the lives they lead.

Chen Guangcheng: Caged Bird – Producer Adam Shapiro, Animator Trish McAdam

Chen Guangcheng, a blind, self-taught lawyer, began his human rights work in China by defending the economic rights of farmers and arguing for the right of the disabled. He was also active in exposing the practice of forced abortions and sterilizations in China’s Shangdong Province. Since 2005, Chen and his family have been subject to frequent prosecutions and periods of imprisonment and house arrest. This film, inspired by the poetry of Maya Angelou, and built around the animation of Trish McAdam, was made as part of a campaign by Front Line Defenders calling for an end to Chen Guancheng’s captivity. In May 2012, Chen and his family fled to the United States; however extended family members face continued harassment and pressure from the authorities.'

Leave to remain – Director Anna Byrne

Since the late nineties, hundreds of unaccompanied minors have arrived in Ireland seeking refuge. These children are termed Separated Immigrant Children. Up until December 2010, these children were housed in residential hostels in the greater Dublin area. This is one man’s account of his experience in Ireland as a separated immigrant child.

ICCL Human Rights Film Awards 2012: Call for Intern

We are looking for a dedicated and flexible individual to become integral member of the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards project team, helping to make the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards 2012 a success.

Please find details of the internship opportunity, and how to apply, at THIS PAGE.

Human Rights in Under A Minute Challenge 2012, in Association with RTÉ Young Peoples and Two Tube. APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Applications are now open for the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards 'Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge'.

The ‘Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge’, in association with RTÉ Young People’s Programming and Two Tube, is a stream of the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards aimed at young people.

We are calling on young people across Ireland to create their own human rights film on a subject they are passionate about.

The challenge?  Make every second count, because your film must be less than a minute long!

Homelessness? Poverty? Racism? Whatever the human rights subject, can you boil the issues down to a 60 second film?

The deadline for entries is 9 May 2012 (slightly later than the deadline for the main awards). Full details can be found on the dedicated Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge page HERE, and an application form can be downloaded HERE.

ICCL marks Human Rights Week with launch of 2012 Human Rights Film Awards

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has today (8 December 2011) marked International Human Rights Week by opening applications to the 2012 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards.

The Awards, now entering their fourth year, invite individual film students, filmmakers, and all those with a strong interest in human rights to submit an original short film focusing on a particular human rights issue. The aim of the Human Rights Film Awards is to provide film students, filmmakers and those working in human rights with an opportunity to contribute to human rights discourse in Ireland through the medium of film.

The Awards Jury has featured a wealth of award-winning Irish film talent, including Kirsten Sheridan, Rebecca Miller, Stephen Rea, Brenda Fricker, Victoria Smurfit and Ken Wardrop.

Speaking today, Jury Member and Oscar-nominated director and screenwriter Kirsten Sheridan said:

'The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is truly going from strength to strength. For three years it has encouraged Ireland's finest film talent to apply their craft to human rights issues, and the quality of the shortlistees and winners over the past three years is testament to this. I am delighted to be part of the competition as it enters its fourth year, and look forward to seeing what important human rights challenges will be tackled in this year's crop of entries'

The competition will also feature a strand focussed on young people called the ‘Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge’, which will launch in the New Year to coincide with the beginning of the news school term.

Full competition details, application forms, and films and testimonies by past entrants are available on www.humanrightsfilmawards.org.

Spanish Film on Sex Trafficking Wins 2011 Human Rights Film Awards

Spanish actress-turned film director Mabel Lozano (pictured here with producer Monica Lopez and 2010 Award Winner Dearbhla Glynn) scooped top prize in the prestigious ICCL Human Rights Film Awards at the Irish Film Institute this evening (Wednesday, 15 June 2011).

Lozano first caught the public eye in Spain as a model and actress in top-rated television shows such as Los Ladrones van a la oficina (The Thieves Go to the Office) and well-regarded films such as Berlanga's Paris-Tombuctu (Paris-Timbuktu) and Juarez's Dile a Laura que la quiero (Tell Laura I Love Her).

More recently, she has developed her career as a film director with an uncompromising focus on women's rights, children's rights and human trafficking.

This evening's winning film Listen to Me is an unflinching look at the human impact of sex trafficking. The film is based on the true story of sex trafficking victim Svetlana Demidovitch and shows how the complicity of her 'clients' helps to ensure that human traffickers can continue their trade. The film's minimalist style and sparse dialogue underscore the power of its message.

Speaking about her film, Lozano said today: 'This is a film festival about human rights. One of the worst violations of human rights that I can think of is the trafficking of women and girls; the buying and selling of human beings as if they were bags or shoes. I hope that my film and films like it will help to highlight this serious human rights violation'.

As Grand Prize winner, Mabel has won a place in the prestigious Summer School in Human Rights, Cinema & Advocacy in NUI Galway (see www.chra.ie for more details), which will take place from 1-8 July 2011.

The Awards Gala, which took place on the evening of Wednesday 15 June 2011 in the Irish Film Institute, Dublin, also saw honours go to two further films. Jury member and award-winning documentary maker Ken Wardrop presented the third place prize to Hilary Fennell for Hearing Silence, a touching documentary about a talented musician facing hearing loss. Senator David Norris presented second prize to first-time director Fran Cassidy for Freedom Driver, a lively and entertaining portrait of disability activist Dara Gallagher. A further public vote prize, for the competition’s school-focussed ‘Under a Minute Challenge’ in association with RTE Young People's Programming and Two Tube went to St Mac Dara's Community College in Dublin.

Stars Reveal Rights Awards Shortlist

The shortlist for the 3rd annual Irish Council for Civil Liberties Human Rights Film Awards was today (Wednesday 1st June) announced by a celebrity jury, including Irish acting greats Stephen Rea and Brenda Fricker, acclaimed director Ken Wardrop and Senator David Norris.

Representing the cream of entries to the ICCL competition, the shortlist features an eclectic mix of genres and styles – from documentaries to animation - and human rights issues at home and abroad. This year, four of the shortlisted films explore complex issues through individual struggles: a woman faces the loss of her hearing and with it the loss of her career as a professional musician; an artist uses his art to fight the political system; a young man comes out to his family and his fellow rugby players; and a Dublin man takes his struggle for independence for people with disabilities all the way to the European Parliament. The remaining two films examine painful topics – child abuse and sex trafficking – from new and powerful viewpoints.

Jury member Stephen Rea said:

“As artists, we have the chance to communicate important messages in a unique way and to inspire those around us to open their eyes to the struggles for human rights and equality that occur daily at home and abroad. The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards demonstrates how powerful the art of film can be when it is put to this use.”

Jury member and director of hit documentary His and Hers Ken Wardrop said:
“As filmmakers, we are in a unique position to highlight injustice and call for a more just society through our work, and the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards provide just such an opportunity.”

For information on the shortlisted films, click HERE.

The shortlist will be the subject of an exclusive Gala Awards screening at the Irish Film Institute on the evening of 15 June 2011, where the Jury will announce the winning film.

Pictured above:

Shortlisted filmmakers and Jury members pose for Film Awards Shortlist announcement at the Irish Film Classification Office in Dublin, 1 June 2011.

Rear L-R: Peter O'Doherts (Cameraman, Freedom Driver); Patrick Tierney (Director, Election of Discontent); Hilary Fennell (Director, Hearing Silence); Fran Cassidy (Director, Freedom Driver), James Morris (Jury Member and Chair of Irish Film Board); Jury Member and Director Ken Wardrop; Grainne Humphreys (Jury member and Director of JDIFF); Barry O'Donoghue (Producer, Head Space).
Frond L-R: Jury Members John Kelleher, Stephen Rea, Brenda Fricker, Senator David Norris with Dara Gallagher (star of Freedom Driver) and Elizabeth Petcu (star of Hearing Silence)

Rising Star Robert Sheehan Helps Choose Young People’s Film Challenge Winners

BAFTA-nominated actor Robert Sheehan (Misfits) has lent his star power to the Irish Council for Civil Liberties’ (ICCL) Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge, the new, youth-focused strand of the hugely successful ICCL Human Rights Film Awards which gives the YouTube generation a chance to explore human rights issues in under a minute. Robert and his fellow ‘Under a Minute Challenge’ jury members chose the four top mini films submitted by schools and youth clubs nationwide. The films selected by the jury (all linked below for your viewing pleasure) are:

• Age Equality by Digital Film School

• I Have the Right by North West Film School's workshop class

• Say What You Think by St Mac Dara's Community College Amnesty International Group

• Stop Child Labour by 1st Year, Holy Faith Clontarf

Robert was joined by fellow ‘Under a Minute Challenge’ judges Karen McAuley of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, Ruairí McKiernan of SpunOut.ie and Spiderwick Chronicles  and Tudors actress Sarah Bolger.

Commenting on the films, Robert said:
‘I'm delighted to be a judge on this year's competition, I had great fun watching all the films and I look forward to congratulating all of the winners!’

After the jury picked the four top films, the ICCL also ran an online poll in which anyone could vote, and the film which got the most votes in the online poll was:
“Say What You Think” – a film about human rights and mental health by St Mac Dara's Community College Amnesty International Group in Templeogue, Dublin. It will also be screened on RTÉ’s Two Tube today (27 May 2011) at 5.25pm, and St Mac Dara's Community College Amnesty International Group will also receive a top-of-the-range high definition digital camcorder and tripod, courtesy of DID Electrical, in recognition of their online poll success.

The four films selected by the jury will be showcased at the star-studded ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Gala next month, to which all of the young filmmakers will be invited.

Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge - The Shortlist!

Today we can reveal the shortlist for the new branch of the Awards, the ICCL Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge and we now call on the public to vote for the winner!

Please click HERE for more details!

IFI to Host 2011 Human Rights Film Awards Gala

Following the sad news of the Light House Cinema's closure, the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is happy to confirm the Irish Film Institute as the new venue for this year's Gala Screening, which will take place on the evening of 15 June 2011.

Watch this space for updates!

Under a Minute Challenge: Prize news

The ICCL would like to thank DID Electrical for its very kind donation of a top-of-the-range high definition digital camcorder and tripod, which will go to the lucky winner of our Human Rights in Under a Minute Challenge.

The deadline for the Challenge is Friday 13th May, so if you have not yet entered take up the challenge and be in with a chance to win this great prize!

ICCL Human Rights Film Awards 2011: Call for Intern

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties is looking for an intern to work with us on the 2011 Human Rights Film Awards. Please find further details HERE.

Curtain Rises on 2011 Human Rights Film Awards

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) has today (9 December 2010) marked International Human Rights Week by raising the curtain on its 2011 Human Rights Film Awards.

Director of hit Irish film His and Hers Ken Wardrop was also announced today as the newest addition to the Awards jury, which also boasts names such as actress Victoria Smurfit and filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan.

Speaking today, Ken Wardrop said:

“It is great to see the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards enter its third year and firmly cement its place as a fixture in the Irish film world’s annual calendar. As filmmakers, we are in a unique position to highlight injustice and call for a more just society through our work, and the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards provides just such an opportunity. Over the past two years, the competition has produced shortlisted films of outstanding quality which cast light on a range of human rights issues in new and creative ways.”

“I am most honoured this year to join the Awards Jury and I would call on all those passionate about human rights and film in Ireland to enter” he added.

The 2011 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards invites individual film students, filmmakers, and all those with a strong interest in human rights to submit an original short film focusing on a particular human rights issue. The aim of the Human Rights Film Awards is to provide film students, filmmakers and those working in human rights with an opportunity to contribute to human rights discourse in Ireland through the medium of film.

This year’s awards will also include a schools-focussed ‘Human Rights in Under Minute Challenge’, in association with RTE Young Peoples programming. Open to young people attending second level schools in Ireland, this new strand of the Awards challenges young people to capture a human rights issue on film in the space of 60 seconds. The winner of the challenge will be featured on TV and online on RTÉ Young People’s Two Tube programme in summer 2011.

Full competition details are available on www.humanrightsfilmawards.org

Gaza Tops the Bill at Rights Film Awards

2010 On the day that Israel announced a partial easing of its Gaza land blockade, the plight of the Gaza Strip's inhabitants topped the bill at the ICCL Human Rights Film Awards.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan gave the rights watchdog's top prize to Gaza: Post Operation Cast Lead, directed by Dearbhla Glynn. This short documentary offers a unique insight into the day-to-day living conditions faced by the Gaza Strip's 1.5 million conflict-stricken inhabitants. Awarding the prize at Dublin's Light House Cinema yesterday evening (17 June 2010), Kirsten Sheridan said:

'Recent events have brought home the abject misery of the 1.5 million Palestinians forced to live behind the Gaza blockade, and shown the importance Irish people attach to bringing them relief. Dearbhla's film is an impassioned snapshot of the daily lives of Gazans, and a powerful reminder of the need to end their ongoing suffering.'

Kirsten was joined by a star-studded Jury, including actress Victoria Smurfit, presidential hopeful Senator David Norris and Oscar-nominated animator Tomm Moore, for this exclusive screening of five outstanding films by the ICCL competition finalists at the Light House Cinema.

Victoria Smurfit awarded third place prize to independent filmmaker Daniel Bevan for Midnight With No Pain, a drama about dignity at the end of life, while Senator David Norris awarded runner-up prize to documentary-maker Cara Holmes for If You Like it Then You Should Be Able to Put a Ring on It, which charts the highs and lows of the campaign for same-sex civil marriage.

Stars Launch Rights Films

A celebrity jury, including actress Victoria Smurfit and acclaimed director Rebecca Miller, today (28 May 2010) announced the top five films in this year's Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Awards.

Speaking today (28 May 2010) at the Irish Film Classification Office in Dublin's Smithfield, where she and fellow Jury members convened to judge the shortlist, Rebecca Miller said:

'Good films get to the essence of things faster than almost any other medium. These films focus on human rights issues that really matter and help us to see, hear and feel the lives of others in a very direct and compelling way'.

ICCL Director Mr. Mark Kelly added:

'For the second year running, the ICCL has challenged creative people to apply their talent to raise awareness of human rights through the medium of film. For the second year running, they have risen to the challenge with a shortlist of entertaining and thought provoking films. The ICCL looks forward to showcasing their creativity at the Awards Ceremony at the Light House Cinema in Dublin on 17 June.'

Representing the cream of entries to the ICCL competition, the shortlist features an eclectic mix of genres, styles and human rights issues at home and abroad. The shortlist will be the subject of an exclusive Gala Awards screening at the Light House Cinema on the evening of 17 June 2010, where the Jury will announce the winning film.

Click HERE to view the films.

The shortlist for the the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is now official!

The shortlist for the the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is now official!

To view the the shortlist, an eclectic mix of genres, styles and human rights issues at home and abroad, visit our dedicated Shortlist page HERE.

We are also holding a public vote online. Vote for your favourite HERE.

Applications now closed.

The deadline for applications to the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards has now passed.

The shortlist will be announced in the coming weeks.

Thank you to all of you who entered and the very best of luck!

Barry O'Donoghue and ICCL discuss 2010 Awards on Newstalk

On Saturday 13 March 2009 Awards finalist Barry O'Donoghue of Barley Films and Walter Jayawardene of the ICCL joined Dil Wickremasinghe discuss the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards on Newstalk's Global Village show.

Listen to the show on Newstalk's player HERE. Walter and Barry's slot appears in part 2 at 35mins.

Update on Competition Jury

The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards is delighted to welcome some new additions to this year’s Awards Jury: Grainne Humphreys, director of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival; Tomm Moore, Oscar-nominated director of The Secret of Kells and John Kelleher, former Director of the Irish Film Classification Office.

John, Grainne and Tomm will bring their invaluable expertise to this year’s ICCL Human Rights Film Awards, and we are honoured to have them on board.

We would also like to wish Tomm Moore (pictured right) the very best of luck this weekend at the Oscars – here’s hoping he will return to Ireland next month with a Best Animated Feature Oscar in tow!

And don’t forget – the deadline for entries is Friday, 16 April 2010.

Visit www.humanrightsfilmawards.org for details about how to enter.

ICCL Deeply Saddened at Death of Michael Dwyer

The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards was deeply saddened to learn of the death on New Year’s Day of its supporter and Jury member Michael Dwyer.

Michael Dwyer was a great champion of film in Ireland, and last year provided invaluable support to our inaugural competition as a member of our Jury. His support and expertise will be sorely missed in the coming year.

Everyone at the ICCL would like to convey their condolences to Michael’s partner and family at this difficult time.

ICCL teams up with Kerry Action for Development Education (KADE) and Kerry Film Festival for Human Rights Day Screening

Kerry Action for Development Education (KADE), together with ICCL Human Rights Film Awards and Kerry Film festival, are delighted to host an evening of short films on International Human Rights Day, Thursday 10 December.

Samhlaiocht will host the screening, commencing at 8 p.m. at The Old Presbytery, Castle St, Tralee.

The screening will consist of some of the shortlisted films from the 2009 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards:

Pirogues, Barry O'Donoghue
Children of Manilla, Genny Carraro
A Life Inside the Frame, Daniel Bevan
My Identity, Vittoria Colonna
8 Things to Remember, Aoibheann O'Sullivan

Admission to the Film Festival is €5 and will support KADE's work - www.kade.ie.

Come along, support the work of KADE, and be inspired to enter the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards!

The 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Launches at the Cork Film Festival

The 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards launched on Saturday 7 November at the Cork Film Festival.

The launch was marked with a screening of the 2009 competition shortlist at Cork's Gate Multiplex, followed by a reception for filmmakers, festival delegates and friends of the ICCL at the Bodega.

Speaking at the reception, 2009 competition runners up Barry O' Donoghue and Aoibheann O'Sullivan praised the ICCL for the unique opportunity the Human Rights Film Awards provides filmmakers in Ireland, and encouraged filmmakers to submit their work to the 2010 competition.

Applications are now open for the submission of original short films on human rights themes. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2010.

An application pack and full details can be downloaded HERE.

Kirsten Sheridan calls on New Film Talent to Tackle Irish Human Rights Issues

Acclaimed director Kirsten Sheridan has today called on Irish film talent to tackle the pressing human rights issues facing Ireland today.

Speaking in advance of tomorrow's launch of the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards in Cork, the Awards Jury Member said:

'Following the great success of the inaugural 2009 competition, I am delighted that the Irish Council for Civil Liberties is to launch the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards during the 54th Cork Film Festival, Ireland's oldest film event'.

'Film is a powerful tool for raising public awareness of pressing human rights issues, and the 2009 shortlist being screened on Saturday is testament to this power' she added.

'I am proud to once again serve as Jury Member for the 2010 Awards, which I am confident will boast a similar number of high-quality entries. I would encourage all those with a passion for human rights and film to enter, and I wish you all the very best of luck', she concluded.

The 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards will kick off with a screening of the six outstanding finalist short films from 2009's successful inaugural competition.

The screening will take place at the Gate Multiplex, North Main Street, Cork, on Saturday 7 November at 1pm. The screening will be followed by a reception in the Bodega, St Peter's Market, Cornmarket St, Cork for delegates, Jury Members and friends of the ICCL.

Press, photographers and broadcast media are invited to attend the launch screening, where shortlisted filmmakers from the 2009 competition and ICCL representatives will be available for interview.

ICCL to Put Human Rights in Focus at Cork Film Festival

Human rights will be the focus this weekend as the 54th Corona Cork Film Festival hosts the launch of the second annual Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Awards.

The 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards will kick off with a screening of the six finalist short films from 2009’s hugely successful inaugural competition, including the winning film My Identity, directed by promising Irish filmmaker Vittoria Colonna.

The screening will take place at the Gate Multiplex, North Main Street, Cork, on Saturday 7 November at 1pm. The screening will be followed by a reception in the Bodega, St Peter’s Market, Cornmarket St, Cork for delegates, Jury members and friends of the ICCL. Jury members for the 2010 Awards will include acclaimed filmmakers Kirsten Sheridan and Rebecca Miller.

Speaking today about the 2010 competition launch, ICCL Director Mr Mark Kelly said:

“The ICCL is delighted to be on the programme of the 54th Cork Film Festival to launch our 2010 Human Rights Film Awards.”

“Our inaugural competition, which ended earlier this year, showed the great filmmaking talent that exists in Ireland, and the powerful force film can be in raising awareness of human rights issues”, he added.

“We hope that this launch screening will provide inspiration to prospective entrants to the 2010 awards and look forward to promoting the competition nationwide over the coming months”, he concluded.

Press and broadcast media are invited to attend the launch screening, where shortlisted filmmakers from the 2009 competition and ICCL representatives will be available for interview.

For further details please contact:

Walter Jayawardene
Campaigns & Communications Officer
Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
9-13 Blackhall Place
Dublin 7
Ireland

Tel. + 353 1 799 4503
Mob: +353 87 9981574   
Fax. + 353 1 799 4512
 
E-mail  walter.jayawardene@iccl.ie
Web     www.iccl.ie

2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards Launching at Cork Film Festival

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) is happy to announce the launch of the 2010 ICCL Human Rights Film Awards at the Corona Cork Film Festival on 7 November 2009.

To mark the launch, the ICCL will hold a screening of the six finalist short films from this year's inaugural competition, which will take place at:

The Gate Multiplex, North Main Street, Cork on Saturday 7th November 2009 at 1pm

The screening will be followed by a reception for delegates, entrants and friends of the ICCL. Members of the Jury for the 2009 Awards will also be in attendance. The 2009 Jury consisted of: Sinead Cusack, Michael Dwyer, Jeremy Irons, Rebecca Miller, James Morris, David Norris, Bill Schabas, Kirsten Sheridan and Jim Sheridan.

We look forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP to Joanne Garvey, ICCL Administrator at: E: info@iccl.ie T: 01 7994504 by 30 October 2009 at the latest.

The ICCL Human Rights Film Awards 2010 Entries Applications will open for the submission of original short films focusing on human rights issues of relevance to Ireland as of 8 November 2009. The deadline for receipt of entries will be Wednesday 31 March 2010.

Full application details will be made available on this website shortly.

Rebecca Miller Opens Human Rights Film Gala

Rebecca Miller was in Dublin this evening (Thursday, 11 June 2009), to open the inaugural Irish Council for Civil Liberties' (ICCL) Human Rights Film Gala.

The Connecticut-born actress, writer and director joined filmmakers Jim and Kirsten Sheridan and other stars of the arts, media and human rights worlds at the Light House Cinema in Dublin's Smithfield. Playing to a full house, the six shortlisted films covered a range of topics and genres, demonstrating the power of film in casting a spotlight on pressing human rights issues at home and abroad. Following the screening, Jury member Kirsten Sheridan announced the winning film, My Identity, directed by Vittoria Colonna.

My Identity documents the life of Lee, a transgender Irish person, and his daughter Siobhan. Lee's story is a tribute to the ongoing battle facing transgender people and their families for recognition of their basic human rights. Lee and Siobhan's story is a poignant portrait of a loving family, and an insight into the discrimination experienced by transgendered persons and their loved ones.

Kirsten Sheridan said: 'I challenge anyone to watch the winning film and retain a shred of prejudice against transgendered people. Vittoria Colonna's moving film amply demonstrates the value of the medium in conveying human rights messages in a direct and compelling way'.

ICCL Rolls Out Red Carpet at Gala Film Awards

Top names in the film industry, young filmmakers and leading human rights figures will be out in force today, Thursday 11 June 2009, for the Gala Awards Screening of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Human Rights Film Competition at the Light House Cinema, Dublin.

The ICCL will roll out the red carpet for this exclusive Gala Screening tomorrow, Thursday 11 June, from 7pm at the Light House Cinema, Smithfield Plaza, Dublin 7. The Gala will be attended by Jury members, including filmmakers Rebecca Miller, Jim Sheridan and Kirsten Sheridan, along with assorted guests from the arts, media and human rights world.

The shortlist of six short films that made it to the final of the competition will be screened, following which a winning filmmaker will be announced by the competition Jury. Covering a range of topics and genres, the shortlist represents the cream of entries to this inaugural ICCL competition, demonstrating the power of film in casting the spotlight on pressing human rights issues.

Speaking today, ICCL Director Mark Kelly said:

'This inaugural Human Rights Film Competition has given us at the ICCL an opportunity to engage in a very exciting way with filmmakers and other creative people in order to bring human rights to a wider audience .'

'It is a great privilege for the ICCL to offer such talented filmmakers the creative space to address a range of human rights issues in such an imaginative way. It is equally a privilege to have the support and dedication of directors of the calibre of Rebecca Miller, Jim Sheridan and Kirsten Sheridan in making the competition possible' he added.

'We look forward to showcasing the films at the Gala Awards Screening at the Light House and to announcing the winning filmmaker' he concluded.

To arrange interviews with the Jury and filmmakers and for press attendance at the awards screening in the Light House on 11 June, please contact:

Walter Jayawardene Campaigns & Communications Officer
Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
Tel. + 353 1 799 4503
Mob: +353 87 9981574
E-mail walter.jayawardene@iccl.ie
Or Glenn Hogarty Limelight Communications (01) 668 0600 / 0877909670

Lights, Camera, Action: Top Film Figures Pick Winning Rights Film

The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) today (Friday 29 May 2009) announced its Human Rights Film School Competition Shortlist.

Jury members filmmakers Jim and Kirsten Sheridan and Irish Film Board Chair James Morris announced the shortlist of six films at a photocall at the ICCL's Smithfield headquarters today. The films represent the cream of entries to the inaugural ICCL competition.

Speaking today at the ICCL's headquarters, filmmaker Kirsten Sheridan said: 'Film is a very powerful tool for making human rights issues visible, engaging and widely heard. This shortlist, which covers a range of topics and genres demonstrates this in an outstanding way.'

'I and my fellow jury members look forward to deliberating on this excellent shortlist and to announcing the winning film at the Light House Cinema in Dublin on 11 June. Each film, however, is already a winner for having made it this far in a very tough competition'.

ICCL Director Mr. Mark Kelly added:

'Human rights are universal and indivisible, but all too often remain invisible. Filmmakers are particularly well-placed to effectively cast a spotlight on human rights issues, rendering them visible and meaningful to a wider audience.'

'The ICCL is delighted to offer this creative space for filmmakers to apply their talents to raising awareness of the failure to respect the rights of vulnerable and disadvantaged people. We look forward to showcasing the shortlist at the Light House Cinema in Dublin on 11 June.'

Work to Begin on Shortlisting

The ICCL Human Rights Film School Competition deadline has passed. It is now over to the Competition Panel to convene and whittle the entries down to a shortlist of five outstanding films for consideration by the Jury and present the awards at the screening and ceremony this June (Venue & Date TBA).

Our well-respected Competition Panel consists of: John Kelleher, IFCO Director of Film Classification;  Alan Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Filmbase; John Maguire, Film Critic; Alicia McGivern, Head of Education at the IFI; Conor Power and Natalie McDonnell, Barristers and ICCL Board members and Neil Connolly, Co-founder of the Light House Cinema.

The Jury comprises acclaimed filmmakers Kirsten Sheridan, Jim Sheridan and Rebecca Miller; renowned actors Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack; Professor Bill Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUIG; Irish Times film Critic Michael Dwyer; Senator David Norris and James Morris, Chairman of the Irish Film Board.

Watch this space for news of the Shortlist, and of the awards screening in June. And thank you to all who have submitted a film - best of luck!

The ICCL Human Rights Film School Team

Competition Now Closed

Thank you to all who have submitted a film for the Human Rights Film School. Watch this space for news on shortlisting!

Deadline Approaching

Competition closes Friday, 17 April 2009, so get those entries in.

Michael Dwyer Joins Competition Jury

The ICCL Human Rights Film School is delighted to announce that leading film critic Michael Dwyer has joined the Competition Jury. This brings the competition Jury to six distinguished members:

Prof Bill Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the National University of Ireland, Galway

Jim Sheridan, Director

Kirsten Sheridan, Director

Rebecca Miller, Director

Senator David Norris

Michael Dwyer, Film Critic

Short listing of entries will begin on 17 April 2009, with five shortlisted films presented to the Jury for consideration in early May 2009.

A screening of the five shortlisted films will take place in early summer, at a date and venue to be confirmed, at which the Jury will announce the winner of the ICCL Human Rights Film School Grand Prize.

For further updates on the short-listing and screening, watch this space, or get in touch with the ICCL Human Rights Film School team at info@iccl.ie. And remember, the competition deadline is 17 April 2009, just under two weeks away, so get those entries in!

ICCL to Bring Human Rights to Silver Screen

With the ICCL's inaugural Human Rights Film School Competition fast-reaching its closing date of 17 April 2009, acclaimed director Kirsten Sheridan has highlighted the power of the silver screen in raising human rights awareness.

'Those working in the arts are in a very special position to cast a unique light on the importance of human rights, and to use their talents to make human rights issues visible, engaging and widely heard. The accessibility and popularity of film makes the ICCL's Human Rights Film School Competition an exciting opportunity to do just this' Sheridan said today.

'As well as being an excellent opportunity for entrants to have their films viewed by some leading names in the Irish film industry, entrants also will have the chance to make a real difference' she added.

'With a month to go before the deadline we would encourage those who have not yet entered to get involved' she concluded.

Five shortlisted films will be shown at a Gala Screening early this summer and adjudged by the ICCLs prestigious competition Jury, which includes directors Kirsten Sheridan, Jim Sheridan and Rebecca Miller. The winning filmmaker will be awarded a place in the Summer School on Film and Human Rights, which takes place during the Venice Biennale this summer.

Details of the awards screening in early summer will be announced in due course.

For further enquiries, and to arrange interviews/ feature pieces with ICCL staff or Jury members, please contact:

Walter Jayawardene
Campaigns & Communications Officer
Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
9-13 Blackhall Place Dublin 7 Ireland
Tel. + 353 1 799 4503
Mob: +353 87 9981574
Fax. + 353 1 799 4512
E-mail walter.jayawardene@iccl.ie 

'Creative Chaos' email quiz winner

Congratulations to Philippa Connolly, who correctly answered our email quiz question 'Who is the director of Creative Chaos'. (Answer: Hassan Zbib).

Picked randomly from a hat full of correct answers, Philippa wins two tickets to see Creative Chaos on Friday, 13 February at Cineworld, courtesy of the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival.

Enjoy the film Philippa!

- The ICCL team

Jim and Kirsten Sheridan Join ICCL for Launch of Human Rights Film School Competition

ICCL Raises Curtain on its Human Rights Film School Competition

Human rights and film will be the focus of an event this evening at the Irish Film Institute as the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) raises the curtain on its Human Rights Film School competition.

Marking the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Human Rights Film School seeks to address human rights through the filmmaker's lens, demonstrating how the medium of film can raise public awareness about human rights and inspire people to make a difference in the world around them.

Shortlisted film entries will be reviewed in 2009 by a Jury featuring some of Ireland's most celebrated film talent, including Jim Sheridan, Kirsten Sheridan and Rebecca Miller. Further Jury members will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Grand Prize is a place in the prestigious Summer School on Cinema and Human Rights in Venice, where the winner will take part in master classes in human rights and film by experts such as renowned photographer and documentary maker Nick Danziger, while enjoying full access to the Venice Film Festival.

The competition will be officially launched by the acclaimed screenwriter, director and ICCL Competition Jury Member Kirsten Sheridan at 6pm at the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Dublin on 10 December 2008, where mulled wine and mince pies will be served. The reception will be followed by an IFI screening of the documentary We Are Together, an uplifting film set in South Africa which documents the experiences of a children's school choir.

For more information contact us HERE.

To book tickets to the screening of We Are Together, please visit the IFI box office.