Annually on 8 March, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements. A global web of rich and diverse local activity connects women from all around the world ranging from political rallies, business conferences, government activities and networking events through to local women's craft markets, theatrical performances, fashion parades and more.
Saturday 07 March 2015
SISTERS–IN–LAW | 09.30 A.M.
SISTERS IN LAW is a totally fascinating, often hilarious look at the work of one small courthouse in Cameroon. The tough-minded state prosecutor Vera Ngassa and court president Beatrice Ntuba are helping women in their Muslim village find the courage to fight often-difficult cases of abuse, despite pressures from family and their community to remain silent. With fierce compassion, they dispense wisdom, wisecracks and justice in fair measure—handing down stiff sentences to those convicted. A cross between Judge Judy and The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, SISTERS IN LAW has audiences cheering when justice is served. In signature style, Longinotto’s unobtrusive camera captures an abundance of colorful characters, allowing their powerful stories to unfold effortlessly without need for narration. Both insightful and uplifting, SISTERS IN LAW presents a rare strong and positive view of African women—and captures the emerging spirit of courage, hope and possibility for change.
The only documentary selected for the 2005 Directors’ Fortnight in Cannes and a selection of the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival, SISTERS IN LAW is the latest film from internationally acclaimed director and festival favourite Kim Longinotto, co-directed by Florence Ayisi. Longinotto’s award-winning films include the 2005 Emmy-nominated film THE DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET, which premiered in the U.S. at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival, DIVORCE IRANIAN STYLE, DREAM GIRLS and SHINJUKU BOYS, among others.
Panel Discussion
Our esteemed panel will discuss ‘equality issues faced by women in Sri Lanka’ with an emphasis on ‘legal provisions and actual practice.’
- Dr. Nalini Hennayake | Dept. of Geography Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
- Dr. Sumathy Sivamohan | Dept of English, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
- Dr. Amarakeerthi Liyanage | Department of Sinhala, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
- Mrs. Shamali Ranaraja | Attorney at Law
- Ms. Rosemarie Greve | formerly International Labour Organisation (ILO)