Echoes of One World Film Festival

March 25, 8 pm (opening night!)

About One World -Organized by the Czech NGO People in Need, One World takes place annually in Prague under the auspices of former president Václav Havel.

With over 130 documentaries from all over the world, it is among the largest human rights festivals in the world. With ten years of expertise, One World also became an established consultant and practical supporter of newly emerging human rights festivals around the world. In 2008, One World helped to create festivals in Austria, Romania, Bulgaria, and Kenya.

Opening Night Screening:Gyumri
Approximately 25,000 inhabitants of the Armenian town of Gyumri perished in a powerful earthquake on December 7, 1988. More than one-third of the victims were children. For nearly 20 years, the affected families have been linked in their attempt to come to terms with the loss of their children. Most of the newly born children bear the names of their deceased brothers and sisters, whom they have never seen. For some parents, the young children have become a sort of substitute for the dead ones. Frequent comparisons with their deceased siblings can evoke an uncomfortable feeling in some of the children. Nevertheless, they continue to believe that the souls of their brothers and sisters live on with them. www.oneworld.cz

The program in DC will feature highlights from the 2009 festival, with a special focus on Czech films, the 20th anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, and young African cinematography.

Avalon Theatre, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, DC 20015
Avalon Theatre Box Office: (202) 966-6000 Tickets: $10 Adults; $7.50 Children (11 and under), Seniors, Students with a college ID; and $6.50 Avalon Members www.theavalon.org