Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh would host two days Civil Rights Film Festival on the February 13 to 14 at the PU, USOL Auditorium (4^th floor). The Festival is being organised by the American Centre in collaboration with University School of Open Learning (USOL), PU and Cinedarbaar.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof. Arun Kumar Grover today released the official posters at the PU Campus. The festival would show five films that brings stories of civil rights heroes and their fight for justice. 

The entry to the festival is free for the students and open for general public. The students and general public are invited to explore the dramas, docu-fictions and take away the knowledge about the black history month by attending the interactive sessions. 

The theme of the festival brings forth the observance of Black History month which is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans. Black History month owes its origins to Carter G. Woodsen, who had started the celebration of Negro History week in February since it coincided with birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (Social reformer).

The first show is on February 13 at 11 AM opening with the movie “Rosa Parks Story” by Julie Dash which shares experiences of the life of Rosa Park and her actions in civil rights. The second show will be at 2 PM showing “Beloved” starring Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Yadda Beener based on a book by Toni Morrison.

The second day of the festival i.e. February 14 will show films like “Talk to Me” which is a biographical film about a radio personality Petey Greene who was also a community activist in the 1960s. The festival comes to an end with two contemporary films- “42” a biographical sports film about baseball player Jackie Robinson who became the first African- American Player. The closing film of the festival is marked by the filming of the historical drama and a critically acclaimed film “12 years of Slave” directed by Steven Mc Queen.

The festival will discuss the history, contemporary issues through sessions organized before and after the film screening. Exciting prizes will be given to the participant of the Quiz on civil rights and black history month based on the films screened for the audience during the film festival.