The theme Oppression and Opportunity will be the center of the upcoming eighth annual Human Rights Film Series, which will feature six award-winning documentaries that address social justice issues around the globe. Presented by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, the series’ screenings will each be followed by a presentation or discussion led by an expert on the respective film’s subject matter.
“As a University grounded in core values of social justice, attentiveness to global issues, and concern for moral and spiritual values, we have to promote awareness of the many forms of oppression that impact the well-being of large segments of our population,” said Dr. Edith Krause, chair of modern languages and literatures and film series committee member. “We have to talk about social, economic, political and cultural rights to foster understanding and avert tragedies.”
The series kicks off Thursday, Jan. 22, with a screening of White Like Me, an examination of the legacy of white privilege in America and how that legacy continues to perpetuate racial inequality and shape public policy. Following the screening, Pittsburgh Chief of Police Cameron S. McLay, NAACP Pittsburgh Chapter President Connie Parker and Dr. George Yancy, philosophy professor at Duquesne, will host a discussion and answer questions related to the film.
The Human Rights Film Series will also include:
- Wednesday, Jan. 28: Power & Control—documents the issues of domestic violence and abuse through the eyes of one woman.
- Monday, Feb. 2: Fed Up—exposes the relationship between the processed food industry and government regulators, whose products and policies have resulted in a nationwide obesity epidemic.
- Monday, Feb. 9: Not My Life—examines human trafficking and slavery in the 21st century.
- Wednesday, Feb. 18: Fourth World—draws attention to one-sixth of the world’s population who are oppressed and largely forgotten, currently living in slums.
- Monday, Feb. 23: #ReGeneration—explores the alleged apathy and cynicism of the millennial generation.
All screenings held at 7 p.m. in 105 College Hall, except White Like Me, which will be in the Power Center Ballroom. For more information, call 412.396.6415.