Cinema For Peace is a non-profit organisation that for years has been supporting humanitarian aid and peace efforts through filmmaking. Its aim is primarily to bring the most pressing issues to the attention of the public and the film community. Thanks to Cinema for Peace’s activities, film personalities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Dalai Lama, Muhammad Ali, Bill and Hillary Clinton and the organisation’s former patron of honour, Nelson Mandela, have joined various peace actions.
The annual Cinema For Peace gala aims to promote engaged cinema, one that tries to act and change the reality around it. The organisers want to recognise productions that show human tragedies, fight against injustice and inequality, and simultaneously bring hope and present real solutions that can contribute to building a better future.
This year, a Polish documentary is also among the nominated titles. Kacper Lisowski’s film is up for The Cinema for Peace Award for Justice.
Judges Under Pressure tells the story of unwavering judges who defend the Constitution and the separation of powers. One of them is judge Igor Tuleya, who – against external pressure – passes verdicts unfavourable for the government. This makes him enemy number one for the authorities and the face of judicial rebellion for protesting citizens. The film shows the consequences of his uncompromising attitude. We look at the effects political pressure has on his life. At the same time, we are witnessing the extraordinary solidarity shown by both judges and ordinary citizens. Meanwhile the rule of law in Poland is being dismantled in plain sight. Following the ruling of the politicised Constitutional Tribunal on abortion, Poland sees the largest wave of social unrest in its history. Judges take to the streets to stand shoulder to shoulder with citizens in defence of the rule of law.
A list of all nominated films can be found here.