History of the Unchosen festival
The name "Unchosen" came from a song lyric in the musical, "Cargo" by Paul Field. Cargo also focuses on ending human trafficking. The song tells the story of Maria: who was tricked into leaving her home and family thinking a better life lay ahead. Instead she encountered the worst of humanity's desires and rage.
This Film season tackles a tough subject none of us like to face, but sitting idly by and imagining it isn't happening is not an option for me or the Team. To this end I really want to thank all those who have taken their time to share in this years campaign and make it all happen: also for the films themselves, that open our eyes. This year we are fortunate to bring four of the Director, Scientific Advisor to St. Stephens to give post film talks, with a question and answer session. To draw such internationally renowned Directors from across the world only proves to me that this initiative is worthwhile, unique and will inspire many more people to ACT.
The conception for "Unchosen" took place when Minister Stephen Newell and a group of his youth group organised a service about Stopthetraffik in May 2007. They invited along a nurse from Bristol, Ruth, who was just about to go and serve in Cambodia, with an organisation called Daughters. Daughters is a charity that looks after young girls aged 4 – 14 who have been sold into the sex trade primarily by their families. I knew then I had to do something, the mixture of poverty and human frailty simply broke my heart. It is for those, "Unchosen" ones that I dedicate this film initiative.
Why film you may ask? While attending the Dublin Film Festival with my husband later on in 2007 the penny dropped, good documentaries based on thoroughly researched content can bring to a large audience in a succinct way a clear message. Staying out of mainstream Cinema venues has this year been a deliberate choice, and not charging admission also, to hopefully attract a complete cross section of audience. People who wouldn't under normal circumstances want to come and see a tough film now can.
What can we do to help you may ask? There are many responses; you may even end up producing a film festival of your own! The very least you can do is consider your actions, what you buy, what you wear, what you eat. The whole Fairtrade movement which we support, will long term be the clearest way the help "Unchosen" to feel chosen, precious and loved. Ask yourself do you understand what Fairtrade represents!! If you're not sure pick up a leaflet on your way out when you come to see one of the films. This year Anti-Slavery UK, Amnesty International, Stopthetraffik, unseen(uk) joins Fairtrade in St. Stephens. Maybe you would like to consider volunteering and joining one of these organisations, the choice is yours.
Thank you once again for reading this, it is "you", just one person who can and will make a difference to the lives of thousands, so please don't under estimate your power you can change things you already have by looking at our website and hopefully attending.
With best wishes,
For further information, please contact us on info@unchosen.org.uk
or telephone 0117 370 6417