Thursday, October 09, 2008
Short film, book and exhibition for children mark
60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Amnesty International is joining forces with leading actors and world-renowned illustrators to bring to life the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) for a new generation of young children. A new book, a short film and an exhibition form part of a series of celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, which set out for the first time the human rights and fundamental freedoms to which everyone is entitled without discrimination.
Adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948, the UDHR has 30 Articles, each enshrining a particular right – including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of opinion and expression and the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Actors Julian Rhind-Tutt, Emilia Fox, Jeremy Irons, Lindsay Duncan, Larry Lamb and his son, the radio presenter, George Lamb are the stars behind Everybody, a short film which has been specially written and produced to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the UDHR.
From 31 October, 150 cinema screens around the UK will be screening the three-minute film, which has been funded by The Co-operative Bank’s ‘Customers Who Care’ scheme, as part of a year-long campaign partnership with Amnesty International. Distributed through Pearl and Dean, Everybody will be shown to thousands of children in selected Cinemas throughout the UK as a trailer to one of the season’s hottest films – High School Musical 3, as well as other selected films.
Everybody, which is part animated, part live action, is based on seven illustrations from the children’s picture book, We Are All Born Free, published this month by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. Julian Rhind-Tutt, best known for his starring role as Dr ‘Mac’ MacCartney in television comedy television series, Green Wing, plays the lead character in Everybody. The voiceovers to accompany the animation are provided by Emilia Fox, Jeremy Irons, Lindsay Duncan, Navin Chowdry, Jason Flemyng and George and Larry Lamb who have generously given their time to support the project.
Everybody, which will also be available to view online and be shown in schools in the lead up to the 10 December, was animated by Sweet World Productions who won a Best Animation Award for their part in Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball 2006.
jeremyirons.net 