The International Bar Association (IBA), in collaboration with independent filmmaker Lorie Conway of Boston Film and Video Productions, announces a programme to provide free DVDs of the recently released documentary Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Lawto non-governmental organisations (NGOs), foundations, schools, law societies, law firms, religious groups, and other constituencies across Africa.
Directed by Ms Conway and co-produced with Hopewell Chin’Ono in Zimbabwe, Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law is a thought-provoking and inspiring film about a remarkable woman’s commitment to justice and the rule of law. It encourages all citizens to consider how they can contribute to the public good. To this end the IBA and Ms Conway are seeking partnerships with groups who have the capacity to distribute the 26-minute film DVDs to their memberships, host screenings, and to generally help expand the reach of the film.
Ms Conway commented, ‘Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law has been shown to audiences of people from around the world and we have seen first-hand the impact Beatrice’s story has had on different groups. It is a story that resonates with many and needs to be told.’ She added, ‘Beatrice is an example by which others, young and old, male and female can measure their country’s leaders, and ask of them the same standards of conduct she exemplifies. Although Beatrice’s arena is Zimbabwe, her message and bravery are universal. It has been a privilege producing this film about her courageous work and it is my intention to ensure that as many people as possible know of her contribution to justice and of her courage.’
The IBA presented the first United Kingdom screening of the film in 2013, and also previewed it at its Annual Conference held in the United States in the city of Boston, last year.
IBA Executive Director Mark Ellis commented, ‘Admirably Beatrice Mtetwa once said, “I always had no fear challenging authority if I was convinced I was right. Conviction has therefore been my biggest strength in whatever I do.” I agree whole heartedly with Beatrice.’ He added, ‘All of us have a responsibility to speak against atrocities. However, many of us do not, but she does, regardless of consequence. It is this trait of character that makes her exceptional and is the reason why the IBA is encouraging the Africa-wide dissemination of the Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law film.’
The Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law DVD is available free of charge to NGOs and groups in Africa that will share the film with their networks and constituencies. A minimum order of 20 DVDs will be shipped free of charge from Johannesburg, South Africa, to various locations throughout Africa upon request, subject to availability. All requests for DVDs must be received by 15 March 2014.
Click here to request a copy of the DVD Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law.
www.surveymonkey.com/s/beatricemtetwa
To view the film’s trailer click here (http://vimeo.com/58496261) and, for additional information about the outreach effort email the film’s director, Lorie Conway, visit bostonfilmvideo@gmail.com
About The Film
(1) To prompt and facilitate understanding and dialogue about the message of the 26-minute film, the DVD box includes a one-page insert with a definition of the rule of law and suggested discussion questions.
(2) The International Bar Association (IBA), established in 1947, is the world’s leading organisation of international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Through its global membership of individual lawyers, law firms, bar associations and law societies it influences the development of international law reform and shapes the future of the legal profession throughout the world.
(3) The IBA’s administrative office is in London. Regional offices are located in: São Paulo, Brazil; Seoul, South Korea; and Washington DC, US, while the International Bar Association’s International Criminal Court Programme (IBA ICC) is managed from an office in The Hague.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) works to promote, protect and enforce human rights under a just rule of law, and to preserve the independence of the judiciary and the legal profession worldwide.
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