Review of Journalists, directed by Aleh Dashkevich

Review by Josephine Adams

Journalists is about the oppressed freelance journalists of Belarus, who live in a country where the mass media is controlled and censored to a point where there is no freedom of press. Director Aleh Daskevich offers insight into the little heard of struggle going on within the media of Belarus, by following the lives of several reporters working (or trying to work) under the restrictive regime of President Alexander Lukashenko.

One of the most important issues that Daskevich addresses is the right to free press. We learn that in Belarus all major news stations and newspapers are owned by the government, and so most information and news is government controlled. It is only by the efforts of the underground reporters that the ever-vital ‘independent journalism’ is able to exist. The reporters that this film followed had lives that were strewn with worries, financial and worse. One reporter, feeling under threat by the government, felt compelled to tell her young son, ‘If I am arrested, know that I have committed no crime’. Many of the independent reporters of Belarus are struggling to provide for themselves with the low-paying, sporadic work they get. They appeal for more readers; people who will buy and read these independent publications and support the country’s right to free press.

What Daskevich actually wanted to achieve with this film is unclear, although by making people more aware of the concerns of these independent journalists it is likely he is adding pressure to Lukashenko’s government to loosen their authoritarian grip over of the Belarusian media. In New Zealand, we often take for granted our relatively free press. However, it is important to note that although Kiwi journalists have an easy time in comparison to Belarusian ones we are beginning to lose our hold on independent local media. Most community newspapers are owned by larger parent media corporations, which to some extent influence what is written.

Without a free press a country can become completely dependent on the government (or other large, controlling media source) for its news, rendering the news biased. Therefore, it is important for us as consumers of the media to be aware where we get our news from, and do our best to support the kind of independent journalism that this film shows is so important.

Kicking It, directed by Susan Koch

Review by Su’Ad Muse

Kicking It starts off with an unbelievable claim, ‘a ball can change your life’ and ends by proving that it can! Following the journey of seven individuals, from around the world, to the 2006 Homeless Soccer World Cup hosted by South Africa, this film brings a whole new perspective on homelessness, hope and human nature. Kicking It takes us past the stereotypes and briefly introduces us to seven people humanity forgot. It shares with us heart warming and shocking truths and provokes deep thought about human rights issues.

A short local film ‘Putting Homelessness into Focus’ preceding Kicking It makes the issues more relevant to us here in Aoteaora New Zealand and by the end of both films we are left questioning the society we live in. Why is it that homeless individuals are denied many of their human rights and as human beings often completely ignored? Solving this problem is not a simple matter of putting a roof over someone’s head, societal perceptions need to change and people need to become more aware of the issues that lead to homelessness. Steps need to be taken to prevent homelessness in the first place, these steps included, but are not limited to, the implementation of community-based prevention services, providing housing opportunities to at risk groups, such as late teens and mothers, and looking into ongoing support of individuals. Those who are currently homeless must have their basic needs attended to first, but they must also be supported to learn some basic life skills again, because when you have been isolated and shunned by your community it is easy to forget even simple interpersonal skills.

The Homeless Soccer World Cup is that amazing idea no one thought would work. Sports, especially team sports, build character, teamwork, patience and honesty – qualities individuals need to succeed in the real world and with other people. The film explores how a game, played in every neighbourhood all over the world, can shape and change individual’s outlooks, reform and in some cases rehabilitate, both physically and spiritually. And it actually works, the project is an extreme success, boasting statistics like “73% of players change their lives for the better after participating by coming off drugs and alcohol, moving into jobs, education, homes, training, reuniting with families and even going on to become players and coaches for pro or semi-pro football teams”.

Everyone who leaves the competition is a winner in some respect and for just a short while these individuals forget all their worries and are just like everyone else. You will find yourself feeling so much for these homeless soccer players, sharing the joys of their wins, both on and off the field, and being pained by their losses. The underlining message Kicking It sends is that homeless people are not social inadequates, they are not lower human being, they are simply people without homes.

TAKE ACTION!

Media Freedom

• Don’t take your right to free speech for granted; get out into your community and write articles, poetry or songs help draw attention to injustices or issues that you feel need attention
• Raise awareness about the work of local charities and support groups so that they get the support they need continue their work.
• Support your local media by buying and reading community newspapers or even writing short articles for publications you have a particular interest in.

Homelessness

• The biggest thing you can do is change your own mentality. Don’t be judgemental, homeless is seldom a choice.
• Raise awareness, you’ll be surprised at the amount of people who don’t know that homelessness is an issue in New Zealand.
• Get involved in the homeless world cup, support or volunteer to help the New Zealand team. Think up creative always to raise funds for New Zealand’s homeless world cup soccer team- try being homeless for a night and get sponsored for doing so!

LEARN MORE

www.humanrightsfilmfest.net.nz
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_the_press

For more information on Belarus check out some online articles:www.unhcr.org/refworl/publisher,CPJ,,,49b7be5125,0.html
www.englishpen.org/writersinprison/bulletins/belarusjournalistsarrestedandbeaten/
www.alldaybuffet.org/2008/02/03/dr-dicksheet-documentary
www.flyingononeengine.com
www.kickingit.libent.com
www.homelessworldcup.org

More information on the New Zealand team at www.lifewise.co.nz or contact Street Footy Aotearoa (streetfooty@gmail.com )

Pages: 1 2

Tags: Activism, films, human rights

This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 12:34 pm and is filed under Articles, Human Rights & Social Justice, Knowledge Centre, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.