Hundreds of Hands: In Conversation With Bev Hoffman (Director, Human Rights Film Focus Nepal)

Hundreds of Hands: In Conversation With Bev Hoffman (Director, Human Rights Film Focus Nepal)

 

 

1) What are some of your early impressions and experiences in human rights programming?

 

"The most powerful program on human rights that I have been a part of is the 'Children of War' Project. In particular, I was very inspired by a young Cambodian volunteer - I moved to California shortly after and initiated the program there which, essentially, sought to bring together diverse groups of young people from conflict-ridden war zones alongside at risk youth from the United States who had suffered from social ills such as drugs, violence and homelessness. The program imparted leadership training to the participants following which they served as speakers in different schools across the US and narrated their stories - they spoke for truth and for justice and human rights.

 

The program ran nationally and regionally for 9 years. As a youth-to-youth project, it helped build a support system for the participants. The school students became highly engaged in the training process which was a part of key peace-building and social justice interventions for and in the Region. Participants from outside the US have since gone back home to become leaders in their field as well as in other countries. I remember a Guatemalan participant who had witnessed his best friend being killed right in front of him. After the killing, the perpetrators said, "Here is your first patient." The young Guatemalan had wanted to study to be a doctor and he, finally, did become one."

 

 

2) How do you see Human Rights Film Focus Nepal (HRFFN) take shape as a key campaign in Nepal?

 

"HRFFN plans to continue with The Wall of Hope Campaign and work with young people in Nepal - it is important to remember that change must also be generational and, therefore, young people must, necessarily, be part of this change. We will focus on our Leadership Program; the Youth Outreach Program and a third component called "Affecting Change: Know More, Do More." 

 

Malala Yousoufzai is a wonderful exemplar of change - the TED TALK with her father is very inspirational. How can we lift up hope? It is important that we help stop the cycle of violence against women and girls. This was recently highlighted at the Girl Conference in Kathmandu. Sadly, violence itself is culturally and politically ingrained all over the world. We are also working with HOLLABACK KATHMANDU and Women LEAD Nepal to raise true stories of survival, hope and change that will both educate and empower communities here."

 

 

3) How did the Wall of Hope Campaign begin and what are some of its key accomplishments?

 

"The Wall of Hope saw its germ at HRFFN's flagship film festival in 2012 - Human Rights Film Week. Our team was sitting outside the Yala Maya Kendra in Patan, a key Festival venue, and looking at the wall outside the hall - we then began to use it for audience and Festival comments using markers and chart paper. At the end of the Festival, there were hundreds of hands and comments in support of human rights and our advocacy work. The seed was, thus, sown for the Wall of Hope Campaign and we began to scale up the Festival Wall gradually. On the last day of Human Rights Film Week, we showcased four films on women's issues. 

 

Our next Festival in 2013, Half The Sky Film And Arts Festival, focused completely on violence against women (VAW) and gender issues. The Wall of Hope Campaign is a logical progression as well as a continuation of HRFFN's focus on raising awareness of gender issues and VAW in particular.

 

With the recent 'Girl Conference' at the Soaltee, we estimate that over 300 schools have been involved in the Wall of Hope Campaign. With young people going back to the districts, up to 30/35 districts are expected to be brought into the fold. The crucial question here is: what can be done? The facilitators help in foregrounding the solutions. Domestic violence, in particular, has surfaced as a key flashpoint. We have recently extended The Wall of Hope Campaign into a five-year continuous program - invitations are also going outside the Valley. 

 

We are partnering with the United States Embassy and the American Corners Library Initiative. The community component of the Wall of Hope Campaign reaches out to schools, NGOs and businesses - public spaces will form the key advocacy venue and touch point. There have been many high-visibility collaborations including with The British Council, 1905 Restaurant. Schools have now begun their Wall of Hope Art Competitions. Given the seriousness of the issues involved and covered, we have designed the program as a public engagement and information event. We have also worked with the Patan Hospital and CWIN. During the 'Girl Conference' at the Soaltee, the youth developed important thematic questions for the adults and this is something we encourage. Why are women largely silent on the issue of violence against women? Important to note is that VAW dwarfs all other human rights issues."

 

 

4) Which recent human rights documentary would you recommend as a must watch for S4G readers and contributors?

 

"'Girl Effect' is an uplifting animated film. 'From Fear to Freedom' is another compelling film that covers these issues and is based in Nepal. "Break the silence on the violence!" This message was developed by students of Little Angels School. Health, economic competitiveness and educational benefits are all tied inextricably to VAW."

 

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