Rebecca Miller was in Dublin this evening (Thursday, 11 June 2009), to open the inaugural Irish Council for Civil Liberties’ (ICCL) Human Rights Film Gala.
The Connecticut-born actress, writer and director joined filmmakers Jim and Kirsten Sheridan and other stars of the arts, media and human rights worlds at the Light House Cinema in Dublin’s Smithfield.
Playing to a full house, the six shortlisted films covered a range of topics and genres, demonstrating the power of film in casting a spotlight on pressing human rights issues at home and abroad.
Following the screening, Jury member Kirsten Sheridan announced the winning film, My Identity, directed by Vittoria Colonna.
My Identity documents the life of Lee, a transgender Irish person, and his daughter Siobhan. Lee’s story is a tribute to the ongoing battle facing transgender people and their families for recognition of their basic human rights. Lee and Siobhan’s story is a poignant portrait of a loving family, and an insight into the discrimination experienced by transgendered persons and their loved ones.
Kirsten Sheridan said:
“I challenge anyone to watch the winning film and retain a shred of prejudice against transgendered people. Vittoria Colonna’s moving film amply demonstrates the value of the medium in conveying human rights messages in a direct and compelling way”.
The shortlist is now available to view online on the competition website at http://www.humanrightsfilmschool.org and through www.vimeo.com/iccl.