This programme of the film festival celebrates the power of the media to inspire change. The
Universal Forum will focus on the ways film as a medium can raise awareness about vital issues
and effect change in world communities. The films shown will open eyes and hearts to world issues
and the personal stories that accompany them. Each year, a specific topic will be highlighted,
and many of the films chosen for this programme will reflect that topic. This year the Universal
Forum will have films looking at many issues but with a particular focus on Tolerance. In a diverse
and growing world where difference is too often used as a reason for separation and hate,
understanding and acceptance of others is imperative. The films chosen will portray a variety of
stories in which people learn to embrace diversity and be at peace with difference. Expert panels,
festive events, cutting edge online components, and exciting opportunities to become active in
the issues will be fully integrated into the Universal Forum.
Sunday 2nd November
11:00 – 12:30
The UNDP film on 'Hunger' directed by 'Jason Taylor' will be screened at the Hall de Galle followed by a panel discussion.

This event is being supported by UNDP

Childrens Camp
Keeping with the objective of weaving together countries and communities we will launch a
children’s film camp in 2010. We will bring together children from all over the country and from
different religious and ethnic groups to learn about and make films together in a week long film
camp to be held prior to next year’s festival.


PANEL MEMBERS:

Ketan Mehta
Gill Westaway, Country Director, British Council, Sri Lanka
Nandita Das
NC Saxena, Supreme Court of India Commissioner for Food Security
Rosy Senanayke - United Nations Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador, former diplomat, prominent political leader