The ninth Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) is officially underway following last night’s Australian premiere screening of Chasing Asylum by Oscar-winning LA-based Australian Director Eva Orner.
The screening kicked off a month’s celebration of film, art, music and forums that starts in Victoria and expands nationally across seven Australian cities.
As Australia’s most prolific human rights film festival, more than 10,000 people are expected to attend HRAFF events in Melbourne with a program featuring 31 feature films, 25 shorts, five forums and eight arts events.
The festival was sponsored through Film Victoria’s Connecting to the World Through Film program which supports Victorian organisations that promote equality and diversity to Victorian audiences through engagement with screen content.
The festival runs until 19 May in Melbourne with the national tour ending on 8 June. For full program details, visit: www.hraff.org.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries, Martin Foley
“The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival was born in Melbourne and has grown to be a significant event that is presented right across the country.”
“The festival uses creativity as a vehicle for creating conversations, exploring different cultures and issues, and advocating for change. It's a great example of how our creative sectors can bring light to social issues and connect us to the world and the Victorian government is proud to support it.”
Quotes attributable to Film Victoria CEO, Jenni Tosi
“We’re thrilled to support the 2016 Human Rights Arts and Film Festival through our Connecting to the World Through Film program.
“We look forward to the festival promoting a dialogue focused on social and cultural change, stimulated by a diverse and engaging program of films and industry events.”
Quotes attributable to Human Rights Arts and Film Festival Program Director, Malcolm Blaylock
"HRAFF is proud and excited to receive support from Film Victoria through their Connecting to the World Through Film program. The Opening Night film, Chasing Asylum, will be a special premiere and is set to be one of the most important Australian documentaries of 2016.”
“The program is bound to challenge your thinking on contemporary issues through films that are passionate, thoughtful and inspirational."