Human Rights Watch's "Facing the Dragon" film screening and discussion

The Handa Center for Human Rights & International Justice is happy to co-sponsor the Human Rights Watch discussion and screening of the film "Facing the Dragon."

As the US withdraws forces and aid from Afghanistan, the Taliban regains their hold and the stability of the country's fragile democracy is unclear. Afghan-American filmmaker Sedika Mojadidi joins two awe-inspiring women on the front lines: Nilofar, a successful doctor-turned-member of parliament, driven in her mission to secure peace and well-being for women; and Shakila, a top investigative journalist committed to exposing the truth about what is happening in her troubled country. Under increasing threats of violence, these two women are soon forced to choose between their sense of duty and love for Afghanistan, and the safety of their families.

“We have a responsibility to speak on behalf of every woman, from the remote mountains of Pamir to Nuristan. Advocating for women’s rights should not be a political game.” – Dr. Nilofar Ibrahimi, film subject, Facing the Dragon

Winner of the 2018 Human Rights Watch Film Festival Nestor Almendros award for courage in filmmaking

The discussion will feature the following experts:

Brad Adams, Executive Director of the Asia Division, Human Rights WatchDr. Halima Kazem-Stojanovic, Lecturer, San Jose State UniversityDr. Maliha Zulfacar, Professor Emerita, California Polytechnic State University