During the week of International Human Rights Day, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Aotearoa New Zealand together with the High Commission of Canada host a film screening of the multiple award-winning documentary “A Thousand Cuts” which portrays the drive of Philippine journalist Maria Ressa to defend freedom of expression, to seek the truth and to call authorities to account.

Ressa’s courage and determination has awarded her the prestigious 2021 Nobel Peace Prize as well as the 2020 Four Freedoms Award for Freedom of Speech.

We would like to raise awareness for International Human Rights Day by focusing on the issue of freedom of press and freedom of expression in a time in which journalists face increasing pressure because of their work.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mira Woldberg, together with Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Keltie Patterson, will be participating in the event.

Join us for light refreshments from 17:30, screening starts at 18:00. After the screening there will be a panel discussion with journalists including Anna Fifield: editor of the Dominion Post & Wellington editor for Stuff NZ, Marc Daalder: senior political reporter for Newsroom, Jane Patterson: political editor for RNZ, and Rukuwai Tipene-Allen: political reporter for Maori TV. The panel discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Michael Daubs: Senior Lecturer in Media and Communication at the Victoria University of Wellington.

**Entry for the event will be through the National Library’s Aitken Street entrance**

Film synopsis:

Portrait of independent Philippine news website Rappler and its founder, journalist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa and how Ressa places the tools of the free press, and her freedom, on the line in defense of the truth as they follow Mr. Rodrigo Duterte’s rise to the presidency.

It follows the day-to-day workings at Rappler, while its journalists and Ressa are under increasing danger. An uplifting story about courageous journalism and how it can inspire people to action.

A Thousand Cuts underscores the importance of the press at a pivotal moment in world history.

Film Awards:

Best documentary - Gotham Awards 2020

Best International Feature - Documentary Edge Festival 2020

Winner of the 2021 Cinema Eye Honors Award

Nominee of the Grand Jury Prize - Sundance Film Festival 2020

Director: Ramona Diaz, 98 minutes, 2020

Country of production: Philippines, United States

As we enter the new COVID traffic light system on the 3rd of December 2021 venue spaces at the National Library will become a place where current proof of vaccination is required. This is for the safety of our customers, staff and attendees. Events are close-contact and as such we will follow the government's Covid-19 guidelines. Visitors to this event are therefore required to be fully vaccinated in accordance. Proof of vaccination will be verified by our friendly staff and organisers upon entrance. *International proof of vaccination will be accepted.

Guests must sign-in using the COVID tracer app or by registering their details manually.

Kindly email wel-ca@minbuza.nl for any questions or cancellations.