Thank you Amnesty. The Amnesty Film Festival comes back to Pittsburgh from September 7 to September 11. Fifteen films will be presented, profiling human rights struggles across the globe. Films from Cuba, Peru, Cambodia … and even Brooklyn.

I am definitely going to try to make it to some of these films. They fascinating, especially after this summer’s crappy Hollywood offerings. As much as films like this shake our senses, they also offer us hope and encouragement in trying times. We are all world citizens.

Here’s a sample movie:

WAR GAMES: East Coast Premiere

“In January 2003, an amazing event took place in Southern Sudan. A few miles from the front line of one of Africa’s longest and most brutal conflicts, thousands of children came together to compete in a barefoot, bootleg Olympics. War Games tells the compelling story of the realization of the Twic Olympics, following events as they unfold and providing an intimate portrait of a community devastated by war, yet still determined to make the most of every moment.”

A listing of the first week’s films are here, at the Pittsburgh City paper.

Venues:
— September 9-15 // Pittsburgh Filmmakers // Melwood Screening Room // 477 Melwood Avenue // Pittsburgh, PA15213
— September 16 // Carnegie Mellon University // Porter Hall 100 // Off of Frew Street // Map
— September 17 // University of Pittsburgh // David Lawrence Hall, room 120 // Forbes Ave., near Bigelow

Tickets:
— Ticket Prices for Melwood Screening Room: General Admission $7 // Student (w/ valid ID) $5
— Screenings at Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh are Free!