More than 200 secondary school students are set to take part in the inaugural regional film festival at Fiji National University, in collaboration with the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival.
The screenings will be organized by the Department of Ethics and Governance and will take place at the FNU Lecture Theatre in Nasinu on Monday, September 30.
Festival Director Ben Wheeler highlighted that the films will explore the nuclear history of the Marshall Islands, a subject that remains largely undisclosed.
Students will also engage in a TikTok challenge to respond to the films, with the possibility of their videos being featured during the festival.
This festival represents the first expansion beyond the University of the South Pacific, with the main event scheduled from October 5 to 19 in Fiji, and regional activities following in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Tonga starting on the 27th.
Wheeler emphasized the festival’s distinct role in addressing human rights issues, fostering local filmmakers, and promoting dialogue on complex subjects. He expressed hope that the event will deepen students’ understanding of global issues through the context of colonial histories.
Dr. Mosmi Bhim, head of the Department of Ethics and Governance, acknowledged the significance of human rights in their curriculum and appreciated the partnership with the Pacific Community.
The festival aims to raise awareness about the nuclear legacy of the Marshall Islands and to support efforts for nuclear disarmament.
The films scheduled for screening include:
“My Fish is Your Fish” (Marshall Islands): A short film focusing on the long-term effects of nuclear testing.
“In Exile” (Marshall Islands): A film that delves into America’s nuclear legacy in the Pacific, told from the perspective of the Marshallese community.