Eva Orner's Chasing Asylum.
The ninth Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (May 19-June 8) kicked off last week with the Australian premiere of Eva Orner's Chasing Asylum, which HRAFF program director Malcolm Blaylock called "one of the most important Australian documentaries of 2016."
The festival lasts for a month, starting in Victoria and expanding nationally across seven Australian cities, and features 31 feature films and 25 shorts.
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 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", Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley said.
“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.”
Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said: “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.”