Ciné-ONU: Critical Minds for Critical Times

04 May 2017 – “On World Press Freedom Day, I call for an end to all crackdowns against journalists – because a free press advances peace and justice for all. When we protect journalists, their words and pictures can change our world.” – Secretary General, António Guterres.

‘Critical Minds for Critical Times: Media’s role in advancing peaceful, just and inclusive societies’ is the theme of this years ‘World Press Freedom Day’. The United Nations has celebrated the fundamental principles of press freedom annually since 1993, with this year’s events focusing on why it is vital to strengthen free and quality journalism to enable the media to effectively contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16.

To mark this important day, Ciné-ONU teamed up with the One World International Human Rights Film Festival to bring ‘Tickling Giants’, a documentary that starts off by telling the story of one man and ends up speaking volumes about satire, freedom of expression and political pressure, to a full house at Cinema Galeries.

Following the screening Caroline Petit (Deputy Director of the UN Regional Information Centre in Brussels, UNRIC) and Shaimaa Abu-I-Kheir (Member of the Egyptian Journalist Syndicate and the National Union of Journalists in London) engaged in a tête-à-tête, discussing the importance of freedom of speech and the current situation for journalists in Egypt.

Shaimaa described from personal experiences, the current situation for journalists in Egypt “We are living in a very stressful time. Tens of people were forced to leave the country. Recently at least 23 journalists were imprisoned, with at least 12 killed [in recent years]. There are a lot of physical threats and assaults."

The audience were very engaged in the conversation, with one audience member asking Shaimaa whether Europeans have anything to fear in relation to press freedom. Shaimaa replied stating “You are able to have debates. In Egypt you are not even allowed do that.”

To close the discussion, Caroline and Shaimaa discussed what the audience members, and civil society can do to help protect journalists worldwide. Shaimaa’s answer was simple: “You can join campaigns online to support journalists on the ground. People believing in their right to work supports them!"

Want to learn more about World Press Freedom Day?

Check out this UNESCO World Press Freedom Day video.

For more info on ‘Tickling Giants’ please click here! P.S. No unicorns or falafel were harmed in the making of this film.

Missed the screening? You can find more information about the film and future screenings here!

In Vienna? Why not head along to the Ciné-ONU Vienna screening!

Why not have a look at event photos on our Flickr?

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @CineONU #CineONU

Trailer: