Film making is a powerful tool for change

January 2018 saw the beginning of a very exciting project for Age Exchange; working with Amnesty International. 2018 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN, on 10th December 1948.

The UDHR and the rights and freedoms it enshrines, lies at the heart of the work of Amnesty in protecting and support ordinary people around the world who stand against injustice, and to protect human rights.

Our project with Amnesty “A Movement of Ordinary People” will enable Age Exchange to work with students in Greenwich at St Ursula’s Convent School to research the creation of the UDHR, and its relevance to every aspect of our daily life. Students will have the opportunity to experience and hear from current activists from different parts of the world, who have endured persecution in working to protect and profile the human rights of vulnerable people in their communities. The project, supported by a Community Arts Fund from The Royal Borough of Greenwich, will result in screenings and performances showcasing the extraordinary stories of activists, and marking the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For circa 5 months Age Exchange worked with St. Ursula’s to create this sincere and affecting film. The students focused on four current Amnesty cases: two prisoners of conscience, and two campaigners. The students spent time at Amnesty, visiting their HQ, experiencing the work of the organization, and meeting staff, including a refugee campaigner from Syria. We’re incredibly proud of the student’s hard work and the relentless creativity that resulted in this short film.

“Our film celebrates the amazing work of Amnesty International, campaigning across the world for the rights and freedoms of all peoples – especially those imprisoned and tortured for trying to give a voice to the oppressed.” (David Savill, Artistic Director at Age Exchange).

Niall Couper of Amnesty, who attended the premiere screening, has told the students he will personally ensure that the campaigners and prisoners of conscience featured in the film will each receive a copy of it shortly. In his words: “What you have made will give them hope to keep going”.