Image from The Mall, a film about migrant workers living in an abandoned mall in Tel Aviv

Geneva, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - The Geneva Labour Film Shorts Festival will be taking place in Geneva 16 June but this is not just yet another film festival. What sets this one apart from numerous others in the City of Calvin is that 11 of the 14 short films that will be shown during the three-hour programme were produced by unions or worker organizations.

Kristyne Peter, communications officer for the International Metalworkers’ Federation based in Geneva, which sponsors the festival, told GenevaLunch that the screening of these films gives voice to stories that are too often ignored by mainstream media in their respective countries.

Abandoned, Not Forgotten, a film about worker's rights in Myanmar

This year’s jury selection for Best Labour Film Short, Abandoned, Not Forgotten does exactly that, says Peter. It exposes the brutal treatment and murder of Burmese seamen allegedly at the hands of their Thai bosses. “If it weren’t for the local union and the intervention of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, their story, and the crimes committed against these undocumented workers, would have gone unnoticed and unpunished.”

However, not all the shorts that will be screened are so dramatic in nature. ”Think Bollywood meets 1970s horror flick,” says Peter when referring to the film Jaan Hai to Jahan Hai, a health and safety video used to educate Indian mineworkers about dangers on the job.

The international focus of the festival is undeniable, and it takes place at the same time than the ILO’s annual International Labour Conference, which brings together more than 6,000 trade union leaders, employers and government representatives from across the world. Films screened during the one-night programme may greatly benefit from wide-world exposure.

Kristyne Peter says this festival appeals to those who value the power of moving images

“Last year, a group of Norwegian trade unionists participated in the film festival and were so moved by one of the films shown regarding the Mexican government’s attack on the miners’ union that they invited the filmmakers to present the film in Norway. So a film by two US citizens and an Australian, backed by a trade-union confederation based in Geneva, motivated a Norwegian union to support the people in Mexico.”

Short films from India, Korea, Indonesia and Myanmar will be focusing on one of the big themes this year, precarious or irregular work. The feature film, only 38 minutes in length, is described by Peter as “an amazing film about indomitable spirit in the face of enormous obstacles.” In addition, “there are a few zingers in the line-up also, one, which has won many awards, takes a satirical look at US immigration policy and another takes a tongue-and-cheek approach to the importance of maternity protection.”

So after all, this is not just another (shorts) film festival. The screening is open to the public which will also have an opportunity to ask questions to filmmakers, and admission is free. “I think anyone who values the power of moving images and sound to tell stories will find this festival appealing, but most especially young people and those with a stake in a progressive future.”

When: 16 June, 19:00 to 22:00 (reception begins at 18:30)

Where: Grutli Theater, Rue du General-Dufour 16, Geneva

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