Media Advisory
The International Premiere of Vladimir Kabelik's "So Far From Home"
Presented by
CJFE, Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning &
Willing Mind Productions
(Toronto, September 8, 2009) - The world rarely sees the challenges and dangers faced by native reporters reporting from conflict regions such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iran, Pakistan and Uganda. Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), Sheridan College and Willing Mind Productions present "So Far From Home" an OMNI Television documentary film that offers a unique window in to the world of five journalists who did report from these dangerous places.
These journalists worked without a safety net; they had no international media organisation to rescue them when their reporting led to threats by factions or governments who did not want these stories told. The five were forced to flee, often leaving behind families and loved ones. Director Kabelik says "their pursuit of truth garnered them no awards, instead it forced them into exile."
In Turkey, speaking openly about the 1915 Armenian genocide can lead to prosecution. Dozens of Turkish artists, intellectuals and journalists have been prosecuted under Turkish law for the crime of referring to the genocide. Hrant Dink, a Turkish-Armenian journalist and free expression advocate, was assassinated for speaking and writing about this and other human rights issues.
"So Far From Home" documents the journalists' experiences, their efforts to come to terms with their past and their struggle to build a future in Canada.
The film will premiere on Wednesday, September 23, at the Royal Ontario Museum theatre. Before the screening there will be a reception catered by Daniel & Daniel, and after the film there will be a panel discussion moderated by CBC Radio's Carol Off. Director Vladimir Kabelik and several of the featured journalists will be in attendance and speak about the film.
WHO:
MC: Carol Off, Host of "As It Happens", CBC Radio
Film Director, Vladimir Kabelik
Exiled journalists: Aaron Berhane, Mir Mahdavi, Nik Kowsar, Mike Odongkara
WHEN:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Reception sponsored by Sheridan starts at 6:30 pm/Program & Film 7:15 pm
WHERE:
Signy & Cl
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