To celebrate Human Rights Day, the Deputy High Commissioner for Canada to India, Ms. Deirdre Kent, joined prominent film personalities, artists, international organizations and human rights supporters for the opening ceremony of the I View World Human Rights Film Festival by Engendered. Canada is the prime partner of the festival, which will advance the protection, and promotion of human rights through international cinema. At the opening, Ms. Kent remarked, “I am delighted to celebrate this Human Rights Day with the inauguration of the I View World Human Rights Film Festival. Culture plays a vital role in encouraging and inspiring action towards realizing universal rights. As we enjoy this premiere today, I encourage all of you to reflect on what we can do to advance human rights — in our homes, workplaces, schools, digital spaces, and communities. Together, we can build a more equal, safe, and fair world.” The event featured India theatrical premiere of Canadian film “Funny Boy” directed by Deepa Mehta, at the DLF Cyber Hub, Gurugram, Haryana. The screening was followed by a live question and answer session with the director and the producer of the film, focused on the themes of inclusion and diversity. The festival also awarded prominent filmmakers and independent directors for their creative visualization to initiate dialogue around human rights themes such as gender equality, women and girls’ rights, violence against women, inclusion, diversity, LGBTI rights, environment as well as religious and media freedom. Notable awardees were Indo-Canadian directors Deepa Mehta who received the Engendered Torch bearer award and Richie Mehta who got the Global Impact Award for Delhi Crime series on Netflix. Indian film director Onir received an award for Independent Cinema. The director recently collaborated with a Canadian production “Fae Pictures” for his upcoming film “We Are”, a spiritual sequel to his 2010 national award winning film “I Am”.
