THE fifth Pacific Human Rights Film Festival’s powerful regional screenings have enlightened more than 3000 people across the Pacific.
With the theme Loss, Damage, Resilience, Restoration, the festival raised awareness on human rights issues, aiming for a more just and compassionate society.
It began with the Oceanic Refractions art installation. Screenings followed for students from 10 secondary schools across Suva, USP, Fiji National University, and University of Fiji for five days facilitated by the Ministry of Education.
Films covered climate threat, inter-generational trauma, exclusion of traditional Pacific identities, and war. Post-screening discussions offered a safe space for audiences to engage with experts, human rights advocates, and film crews.
Miles Young, director of the Human Rights and Social Development division at SPC, said it was encouraging to witness so many people engage with these films and their human rights themes.
“The discussions that followed the films were respectful, thought-provoking and insightful, and reflected the diversity of views that audiences hold on various human rights issues raised,” he said.
“The festival is an effective way of promoting human rights in the Pacific.”
He said the university was proud to have partnered with the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival since its inception five years ago.
“Through it we have expanded learning environments beyond the traditional lecture hall and into incredible cinematic worlds on campuses across the Pacific,” she said.
The regional representative for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Heike Alfenson, said the fifth edition of the film festival was a reminder that the fight for human rights was far from over.
“Selected films have shown us how courage, creativity, and conviction help shape a more just and equitable future,” she said.
“At a time of growing global pushback, Pacific voices are a powerful call to protect dignity, human rights and freedom for all.”
New Zealand’s High Commissioner Charlotte Darlow said New Zealand’s partnership with the PHRFF reflected its commitment to continue advancing the cause of human rights and gender equality.
Film Fiji CEO Jone Robertson said collaborating with festivals like the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival allowed Film Fiji to elevate local filmmakers as seen through the Suva International Short Film Festival.
The festival is organised by the SPC, USP, the Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific, Film Fiji, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UN Human Rights Office.
