Stefan Ziegler explained that the idea for the film arose from his experience working with the UN and the Red Cross. The director emphasized that a full understanding of global humanitarian processes is impossible without direct participation "in the field," rather than just in an office environment.
According to him, he not only implemented the project as a director but also took on the role of producer to more deeply illuminate the filmmaking process and draw the attention of a wider audience to issues of international law.
Ziegler also noted that he was inspired to work on the project by the appeals of people who expected greater justice and involvement from international institutions.
The premieres of "Mandate" have taken place in Albania and Tunisia, and the screenings in Bishkek will be the first presentation of the film in Central Asia.
The documentary was created over eight years and includes interviews with judges of the International Court of the UN, specialists in international law, politics, and diplomacy. The film encourages viewers to reflect on the significance and effectiveness of international law in the modern world.
This year, the festival program will present 22 documentary films from the CIS countries, the USA, Germany, and New Zealand, covering a wide range of human rights topics:
— the rights of women and people with disabilities;
— child safety;
— self-expression;
— climate and social challenges;
— dignity and the strength of spirit of people in the face of political and environmental difficulties.
A delegation from Uzbekistan, consisting of 11 people, including human rights defenders, directors, and graduates of the Institute of Arts, will also participate in the festival and present a film dedicated to climate challenges in their country.
As part of the festival, expert laboratories will be held with the participation of 11 leading specialists from France and other countries, including experts in human rights, civil society, and the protection of freedoms.
Discussion platforms will focus on topics such as:
— the state of civil space;
— UN principles on "Business and Human Rights";
— labor rights;
— interaction between civil society and state structures.
The organizers emphasize that the main goal of the laboratories is to create an inclusive environment for dialogue, where joint approaches to pressing human rights issues can be developed.
The festival opening is scheduled for December 12 at 5:00 PM in one of the halls of the IT hub "Technopark," and it will run until December 16.
