Films for (social) change

The Filmhouse Cinema in Edinburgh is screening three fine movies as part of this year's Festival of Spirituality and Peace, which runs from 6-9 August 2011 - 'Getting Out', '' and 'Pray the Devil Back'.

On 12 August at 17:45 there is a showing of 'Getting Out', followed by Q&A with Bishop Christopher Senjonyo from Uganda, a campaigner for gay rights.

The documentary, produced by the Refugee Law Project in collaboration with the Ugandan Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, explores the reality that for many LGBTI Africans coming out to family and friends at home is not even an option. Before they can come out, they first have to get out. This means not only finding means to escape the political forces promoting homophobia at home, but also dealing with the hypocrisies and failings of asylum systems around the world.

Filmed in Uganda, South Africa, Geneva, and London, with supporting footage from Malawi and Zimbabwe, Getting Out depicts the true stories of five individuals navigating their way through this complex issue.

Then on Friday 19 August at 17:45, there is 'Bloody Sunday', featuring , Allan Gildea, Gerard Crossan, Mary Moulds, and Tim Pigott-Smith.

The film will be followed by a Q&A with Don Mullan, co-producer, whose book 'Eyewitness Bloody Sunday' was used as the basis for it. The documentary-style drama shows the events that lead up to the tragic incident on January 30, 1972, in the town of , when a protest march led by civil rights activist Ivan Cooper was fired upon by British troops, killing 13 protesters and wounding 14 more.

Last but not least, on Friday 26 August at 17:45 there is a showing of 'Pray the Devil Back', a remarkable story of the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country. Thousands of women - ordinary mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters, both Christian and Muslim - came together to pray for peace and then staged a silent protest outside of the Presidential Palace. Armed only with white T-shirts and the courage of their convictions, they demanded a resolution to the country's civil war. Their actions were a critical element in bringing about a agreement during the stalled peace talks.

A story of sacrifice, unity and non-violent transcendence, 'Pray the Devil Back' to Hell honours the strength and perseverance of the women of Liberia. Inspiring, uplifting, and most of all motivating, it is a compelling testimony of how grassroots activism can alter the history of nations. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Derek MacLeod, international officer for Africa, University of Edinburgh in conversation with Lizelle Bisschoff, Africa in Motion Film Festival.