Department of International Relations hosts 2019 Film and Documentary
By Ernest Mwanzi and Dr. Aleksi Ylönen
The Department of International Relations, through Dr. Aleksi Ylönen and Mr. Dan Odaba, together with Embassy of Finland, Colombia and the Republic of Korea hosted a thrilling three-day film and documentary festival at the USIU-Africa Auditorium from Monday, May 27 to Wednesday, May 29. The festival which was officially open by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs, Prof. Ruthie Rono was a valuable occasion for students, staff and faculty to learn more about foreign countries, cultures and promote connections between different individuals.
The Embassy of Finland curtain raised the event with a documentary titled ‘Water Journey’. The film is based on the environmental change research done at the Taita Research Station with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Academy of Finland, but approaches its topic through cinematography and through the daily life of local people.
On the second day, the Embassy of Columbia showcased a film titled 'Gabo, The Magic of Reality’ which is a story about the incredible power of human imagination, which follows the interwoven threads of Gabriel García Márquez's life and work - "Gabo" to all of Latin America - with the narrative tension of an investigation.
The three-day festival came to end with a movie showcased by the Embassy of Republic of Korea named ‘A Violent Prosecutor’. The story line revolves around a prosecution lawyer framed and convicted for murder, as he tries to catch the real murderer from jail with the help of a conartist.
This occasion was well attended by students, faculty and staff and also graced by dignitaries from three embassies who included, Finland Ambassador to Kenya Amb. Erik Lundberg, Colombian Ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Elizabeth Taylor Jay and Korean Ambassador to Kenya, Amb. Yeonghan Choi.