Have you ever had to flee from your own country because of who you are?
We commonly hear of refugees and asylum seekers having to flee from their homelands due to conflict, but how often do we hear of those who flee simply because of who they are? or because they don’t fit the gender identity mould cast for them by society.
Amnesty International and the High Commission of Canada are hosting a night of discussions surrounding the difficulties faced by GLBT refugees. The evenings will be held in both Auckland and Wellington with a special screening of the award winning documentary ‘Last Chance’ a powerful film that gives viewers a glimpse into the issues that five LGBTI refugees face as they escape some of the most fiercely homophobic countries in the world.
The poignant ordeals of Carlos, Jennifer, Zaki, Alvaro, and Trudi demonstrate the issues that minorities face when seeking asylum from the beginning of their journeys to their final destination, in this case, Canada.
Following both film screenings there will be a panel discussion with the opportunity to hear first-hand the stories of Abraham Naim, from the Maldives and Eliana Rubashkyn from Colombia, who both came to New Zealand under similar circumstances.
Screenings details below.
WELLINGTON
WHAT: Film Screening: “Last Chance” and panel discussion
WHEN: Tuesday 7 October
5.30pm for pre-movie refreshments
6.15 – 7.45 pm – movie screening
7.45 – 8.30 – Discussion with Abraham Naim
WHERE: Nga Taonga (The Film Archive), 84 Taranaki St, Wellington
AUCKLAND
WHAT: Film Screening: “Last Chance” and panel discussion
WHEN: Tuesday 14 October
5.30pm for pre-movie refreshments
6.15 – 7.45 pm – movie screening
7.45 – 8.30 – Discussion with Abraham Naim and Eliana Rubashkyn
WHERE: The Academy Cinema, 44 Lorne Street, Auckland 1010
in Wellington on Tuesday 7 October and then in Auckland on Tuesday 14 October
Places at these free screenings are limited so please RSVP by emailing events.manager@amnesty.org.nz.
Article | gayexpress
