The UK Government invites you to attend its film festival on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict on 23 & 24 November 2018 in London.
The UK Government is taking the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative to the big screen for the first time. The 'Fighting Stigma Through Film' festival will take place on the 23 & 24 November 2018 at the British Film Institute (BFI) in London.
The festival aims to harness the power of film and cinema to help fight the discrimination so often faced by survivors of sexual violence in conflict. Over two days there will be screenings of 38 films and documentaries from around the world - sharing stories of survivors and the inspiring people working alongside them. Among the titles, the festival will host the world premiere for Leslie Thomas' film 'The Prosecutors' which explores the battle for justice survivors face.
The event is supported by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, the Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, and Angelina Jolie, UNHCR Special Envoy.
Alongside screenings, the PSVI film festival will display thought-provoking art installations and showcase the work of organisations striving to end of the horror of sexual violence in conflict. Workshops will be running throughout, led by prominent experts on various PSVI topics, offering the chance to learn more about these important issues and ask questions.
Register to attend
Admission is free and all are welcome to come along and watch a film, join a workshop, or explore the exhibition.
Doors are open on Friday 23 November from 10am to 2pm and Saturday 24 November from 9am to 9pm.
For more information and to register your attendance please visit our Eventbrite page.
Why is the PSVI campaign so important?
Sexual violence as a weapon of war continues to destroy, destabilise, and demoralise individuals, communities and societies across the world.
As well as leaving a physical wound, sexual violence leaves a social stigma – which becomes a global problem crossing generations. Ending the cycle of sexual violence in conflict and its associated stigma is vital for upholding international peace and security.
The UK remains highly committed to preventing and responding to conflict-related sexual violence, following the launch of the Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) by former Foreign Secretary, Lord Hague, and UNHCR Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, in 2012.
The PSVI has three objectives:
- tackle stigma
- secure justice and accountability
- prevent sexual violence in conflict
The film festival marks the one year countdown to a PSVI international conference, which the UK will host in 2019 five years on from the 2014 Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict. The event will celebrate progress, address remaining challenges, and secure further commitments to action.
