The Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (HRAFF) was founded in 2007, with the aim of making human rights relevant, accessible and engaging to all Australians. Now in its 11th year, the 2018 HRAFF shines a light on contemporary issues such as Indigenous affairs, racial discrimination, gender equality, refugees and the environment.
HRAFF plays in Melbourne from May 3-17, in Launceston from May 19-20, and in Canberra from May 29 – June 5.
Indigenous affairs and racial discrimination are explored in documentaries including After the Apology (the Opening Night film) and Song Keepers. After the Apology, from writer/director Larissa Behrendt, is a landmark documentary examining the continued practice of child removal.
Gender equality is addressed in an entire strand of the HRAFF program called ‘An Equal Platform’. Films include Her Sound Her Story (about the social impact of women within the Australian music industry) and A Better Man (which looks at the issue of violence against women from an unexpected angle).
The Centrepiece Gala film, Border Politics, follows human rights barrister Julian Burnside as he travels the world, examining the treatment of refugees in Western documentaries.
The Closing Night feature Last Men in Aleppo follows a Syrian organisation called White Helmets, which consists of ordinary citizens who save lives in the wake of devastating military strikes. It was an Academy Award nominee for Best Documentary Feature and won the Grand Jury documentary prize at last year’s Sundance Film Festival.
For the full program, and to purchase tickets, visit the HRAFF website.
