On September 7, 2011 attend Film for Freedom for one unique cause.

Vancouver, BC- Imagine living in extreme poverty and fear of violence, where no one will touch the things you’ve touched. Approximately 250 million of India’s people face this reality every day; they are called the Dalits, or the “untouchables.” On September 7th, Dalit Freedom Network Canada is hosting a fundraiser, Film for Freedom, a red carpet event to assist in raising funds to help change the future of these people. Attend Film for Freedom and take a stance against oppression.

India’s predominant social hierarchy has four main castes; the Dalit people rank below the lowest caste. Officially everyone in India has the same rights and duties, but the practice is different, particularly in rural areas. Throughout most of India, the Dalits are not even considered to be a part of human society, and are subject to demoralizing discrimination.
Although there has been movement in the last ten years towards change for the Dalits, they are still victims of significant oppression today. At a United Nations conference held in Geneva this June, Mr. Rory Mungover from the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights spoke about the situation the Dalit people are still facing: “Poverty, unemployment, discrimination in the administration of justice, unequal access to health care, education and housing are among the problems faced by victims of caste based discrimination. Victims include manual scavengers who clean public toilets with their bare hands in cities now aspiring to the highest levels of development; families denied access to a communal water source; children who inherit their parent’s debt and bonded servitude; …villagers who are subject to humiliating ritual or even violence by those more powerful; and women who experience multiple forms of discrimination and who face violence, including sexual violence, exploitation, and inhuman treatment.”

Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) Canada is a charitable organization devoted to freeing the Dalits from a life of poverty, exploitation, and slavery through quality education, healthcare, and economic development. Currently, DFN raises money for school construction, education, community health workers, playgrounds, and clean water wells for the Dalit children. “Education is the key to freeing Dalit children from a life of poverty and oppression. Children in our Good Shepherd Schools are being given the right to dream of a new future for themselves, their families, and their communities. Every day these schools are providing freedom and hope to Dalit children.” ~ Dalit Freedom Network 

With Film for Freedom, DFN hopes to raise awareness about the severe discrimination still happening in our world, and give the people of Vancouver an opportunity to change lives. Film for Freedom will take place at the Denman Cinemas in downtown Vancouver from 6:30pm to 11:00pm. Guests will walk the red carpet, mingle with local celebrities & enjoy a screening of the movie Slumdog Millionaire – all while learning about the opportunity of sponsoring a Dalit child’s education. Tickets are $15 and include a free popcorn and drink. To purchase tickets visit filmforfreedom.ca or to learn more about Dalit Freedom Network and the work they do visit dalitfreedom.net

Contact: Christina Moe
Event Management Student
The Art Institute of Vancouver
T: 778-968-8500
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


Pictures and fact sheet are available upon request.
For more information please contact the event media team or visit these websites:

Dalit Freedom Network Canada
www.dalitfreedom.net

International Dalit Solidarity Network
www.idsn.org

National Geographic on Dalits
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0306/feature1/

United Nations Human Rights Statement
https://docs.google.com/a/ncdhr.org.in/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B0QJC4rDits0OGIyNWRhNTItYjhmNC00Y2I4LThhYmYtYTVkZTZlY2NhMmEz&hl=en_US

Dalit Freedom Network
www.dalitnetwork.org