As America employs increasingly aggressive strategies in its war on drugs, Hondurans suffer the consequences of rising violence in their country. But what about those who wish to escape their violent pasts?
Drug gang activity has taken its toll in Honduras; a country declared as having the highest murder rate in the world. In Tegucigalpa, gang members are marked men and women, their violent pasts recorded across their bodies. For those trying to quit, these tattoos are inescapable associations. As former "bandida" Sherry explains, "here, for wearing a tattoo, youngsters die on a daily basis." Although there is only one expert in tattoo removal in Honduras, he has given hope to thousands trying to escape their past. For Sherry, the motivation to break away from gang violence is the fear of passing on the legacy: "My kids should not have to endure what I have endured." What's Up Productions
(Ref: 5511)
USA - License To Kill
- 17' min 54'' sec [14 May 2012]
Outrage at sale of Trayvon Martin shooting targets
The killing of Trayvon Martin has divided America, raising questions about Florida's controversial 'Stand Your Ground' law. Can justice ever be served on the street? When does self-defence become murder? "I feel like we're back in the wild, wild West", says Bonnie Baker, who lost her 21-year-old son in similar circumstances to the Trayvon Martin murder. Her son's killer, who police wouldn't even arrest, "took it upon himself to be the policeman, the judge and the executioner", she says. The right to bear arms has long divided opinion in the United States, but Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' gun law has been especially controversial, allowing people to use lethal force if they feel threatened, and not just in their own homes. Since it was introduced in 2005, the rate of justifiable homicide has almost tripled: Trayvon's parents aren't alone in their grief and anger. After six weeks of investigation and under enormous public pressure George Zimmerman has finally been charged for killing Trayvon. Yet similar gun laws apply in more than 20 states in the US and most cases are never prosecuted. Is this "law for law-abiding citizens" literally letting people get away with murder?
SBS
(Ref: 5510)
France - Moving Right
- 16' min 08'' sec [14 May 2012]
Le Pen battles Far Left rival for place in French Assembly
Hollande may have won the French elections, but Far Right leader Marine Le Pen attracted record support and is showing no signs of slowing down. So what's next for the party and its controversial ambitions? "I think we will come to power within a few years. The whole of Europe is becoming aware of the loss of our values." Le Pen's anti-EU, anti-immigration stance found many sympathetic ears during the Presidential campaigns and The National Front now has their eye firmly fixed on the National Assembly elections. "We have surprised everyone with the coherence of our views", Le Pen insists, as membership of the Youth Wing of the party has surged. Yet the party's anti-Islamic stance has also alienated many voters and spread fears of rising extremism. If Le Pen gets a seat in the Assembly it will give the party its biggest endorsement for over a decade. "I think she is going to be part of the landscape for many years to come. For better or worse." SBS
(Ref: 5512)
Libya - Playground War
- 16' min 50'' sec [14 May 2012]
Libya struggling to be ready for landmark elections
Although the Libyan revolution is over, divisions still run dangerously deep in Sirte. Nowhere is this more damaging than in the school playground, where young friends are now sworn enemies.
Sarah is too scared to attend school after being bullied by her pro-Gaddafi peers. "My classmates came and insulted me for singing the new anthem." Many former friends are now opponents as they fight proxy wars for their parents' views in the ongoing political battle in Sitre. Trying to resume their lives amid the ruins, many are deeply traumatised by their experiences of the revolution and are struggling to move past the violence they witnessed. "I dreamt our house had been hit and I saw all my family dead." Susan Schulman
(Ref: 5513)
Israel/Palestine - Hot House
- 52/80 min [26 September 2007]
Egypt attempts to broker deal with hunger strikers
1600 Palestinian prisoners are still on hunger strike in Israeli jails. This film achieves extraordinary access to these institutions, exploring the lives of the Palestinian inmates and their political ideas.
Nearly 5,000 Palestinians are incarcerated in Israeli prisons, in poor conditions and often without trial. "When you're in prison you focus only on politics", states one prisoner. Studying government theory, learning languages and even running for election from inside the prison, these inmates are seen as heroes by their compatriots and are achieving an influence that extends far beyond their prison walls.
Alma Films
