Gina Lang, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or gina.lang@ginsberglibby.com

Toiko Kleppe, UN Human Rights Office
Tel: 917 367 2754 or kleppe@un.org 

FILM INDEPENDENT ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE
UNITED NATIONS’ FREE AND EQUAL GLOBAL FILM SERIES

SERIES LAUNCHES AT THE LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL
WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF OUT IN THE NIGHT

LOS ANGELES (June 12, 2014) – Film Independent and the United Nations today announce the launch of the Free & Equal Global Film Series — a collection of narrative films and documentaries that explore the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in different parts of the world. Film Independent President Josh Welsh partnered with the UN to curate the films, which will screen at UN facilities around the world. The film series is part of the UN’s Free & Equal global campaign to fight homophobia and transphobia.

The program will be launched at the Los Angeles Film Festival with the World Premiere of Out In the Night by blair dorosh-walther on June 15. Out in the Night follows four lesbian and gender non-conforming African-American friends who, after defending themselves from a vicious assault, were branded a “lesbian wolf pack” in the media, arrested, and incarcerated with egregious sentences. This incendiary documentary reveals the prejudiced media coverage and biases in the criminal justice system that contributed to this miscarriage of justice.

The screening will be followed by a moderated conversation with the filmmakers and Charles Radcliffe, Chief of Global Issues at the United Nations Human Rights Office. Also participating will be Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright, directors of Call Me Kuchu, a documentary also included in the Global Film Series. The event was sponsored by Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television.

“We are honored to be part of the United Nation’s important Free & Equal initiative,” said Film Independent President Josh Welsh.  “We believe in the power of visual storytelling to transform the world for the better, and through the Free & Equal Global Film Series we hope to shine a light on LGBT issues around the world. Out in the Night is an example of the type of filmmaking that we support year-round at Film Independent, and we’re thrilled to have it part of this UN initiative.”

“You can’t fight discrimination without appealing to people’s hearts and minds,” said Charles Radcliffe. “Together, these films capture some of the rich diversity of LGBT and intersex communities around the world. They challenge us to see the world through the eyes of others and, in the process, perhaps call into question some of our own assumptions. The Film Series is a great addition to the global Free & Equal campaign and we look forward to rolling it out in all regions in the coming months. A big vote of thanks to Film Independent for making this possible.”

The preliminary list of films included in the Global Film Series are Call Me Kuchu, Out in the night, Quebranto, The Abominable Crime, Paper Dolls, Intersexion, and the music video The Welcome. The final list of films to be included in the series, including several possible additional titles, will be announced soon.

Tickets to the UN Free & Equal Global Film Series Launch: Out in the night are still available at lafilmfest.com or 1-866-FilmFest.

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional or a film lover. Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry. For more information or to become a member, visit filmindependent.org.

ABOUT THE UNITED NATIONS FREE AND EQUAL CAMPAIGN
The Free & Equal campaign aims to raise awareness of homophobic and transphobic violence and discrimination, and encourage greater respect for the rights of LGBT people. The campaign, which had its global launch in South Africa in July 2013, is led by the UN Human Rights Office and has strong backing from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Free & Equal benefits from the support of a number of celebrity UN Equality Champions – including hip hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and the band Fun. from the US, Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly, Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury, and South African singer Yvonne Chaka Chaka.

In December 2011, the UN Human Rights Office published the first official UN report on violence and discrimination against LGBT persons. The report documented widespread human rights abuses. More than 77 countries still criminalize consensual, same-sex relationships, while in many more discrimination against LGBT people is widespread – including in the workplace and in the education and health sectors. Hate-motivated violence, including physical assault, sexual violence, and targeted killings, has been recorded in all regions.

Learn more about the Free & Equal Global Film Series at www.unfe.org/en/global-film-series.

Follow the Free & Equal campaign: www.unfe.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/free.equal
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/free_equal

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