Rights group unveils short film to commemorate Human Rights Day

A digital rights group has unveiled a short film in commemoration of World Human Rights Day.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN), said the fourth film dubbed ‘Undersight’ marks a pivotal moment in global rights awareness, boosting collaborative efforts toward upholding fundamental rights and freedoms globally.

In a statement to newsrooms, the organisation said the film bolsters the commemoration of World Human Rights Day under the theme Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.

This year marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

The movie is inspired by Paradigm Initiative’s annual 2022 Londa report, which spotlights the state of digital rights and inclusion across 24 African countries.

‘Undersight’ follows the journey of Omar, a brilliant computer programmer who creates revolutionary data collation software, which is in high demand.

The other short films the organisation has released are Training, Focus and Finding Diana. 

Training Day, the first of the short films is based on the organisation’s 2019 Digital Rights in Africa report. It features the story of Jude, whose quest for work takes an unexpected turn. His first day at a tech firm takes an unprecedented turn, leaving him in a deep moral dilemma.

Focus tells the story of Mark, a budding young man who works for an enterprise facilitating financial pay across Africa. Caught up in his world and nonchalant about happenings around him, he soon experiences first-hand the dark side of internet shutdowns, censorship, surveillance, and cyberattacks.

He learns the benefit of advocating for others, regardless of personal interest in their cause. The short film is inspired by the 2020 Londa report.

Based on the findings of the Londa 2021 report, Finding Diana is about Aisha Cooker, a 28-year-old journalist who stumbled upon a collection of personal data belonging to millions of citizens, including a governor she is investigating. In her quest for a better society, Aisha exposes the official, a move that puts her life in danger. 

Screened at various events and platforms, PIN’s short films have received extensive feedback from viewers who have cited the creativity, relevance, and impact they possess.

The short films have also received multiple accolades and awards, with the latest being a Bronze recognition for Finding Diana at the 2023 Summit Creative Awards.