Film and Human Rights

Filmmakers and Audiences have rights derived from the
United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948
Article 19 of the Universal Declaration guarantees the Right to Freedom of Expression for all and underpins the right of filmmakers to choose the mediums by which they communicate their ideas through their works. This extends from production and postproduction, through exhibition and into preservation.

Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Article 27(1) of the Universal Declaration guarantees the Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of the Community and to Enjoy the Arts. This right empowers audiences to resist exclusionary practices within the arts such as denial of access to the engaging, singular motion picture film viewing experience.

Article 27(1) of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948

Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has among its core purposes the fostering of Freedom of Expression and Protection of Heritage in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948:

UNESCO – Fostering Freedom of Expression

UNESCO – Protecting our Heritage and Fostering Creativity
These objectives are propagated through a number of Conventions and Declarations:

UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity 2001

UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage 2003

UNESCO Convention On The Protection And Promotion Of The Diversity Of Cultural Expressions 2005

> See also FATF articles on this topic

Motion Picture Film, World Heritage and Freedom of Expression

UNESCO World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: Choices & Rights

Image: UN Photo/Andrea Brizzi