28 Nov 2019

Ambassador of the European Union (EU)  to Botswana, Jan Sadek says stigma and discrimination are against the union’s core values.

Officially opening the EU Film Festival in Gaborone on Wednesday, Sadek noted that within the EU, any pattern or manifestation of racial discrimination and hatred was fought and all means applied to respect diversity. 

He lamented that many people continue to be victims of racial harassment and hate speech because of the colour of their skin, their ethnic origins or religion globally. 

Sadek noted that the EU continued to engage with partner countries, civil society representatives, international and regional organisations; to promote non-discrimination, social inclusion and equality for all as well as the universal respect for the prohibition of racial discrimination. 

He said the festival would also celebrate the diversity and pluralism of Europe.

The films to be showcased during the festival illustrate some of the different forms of stigmatisation and discrimination, particularly racial discrimination.

The festival opened with A United Kingdom movie, a biographical romantic drama film directed by Amma Asante and written by Guy Hibbert, about Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama and his then controversial marriage to his wife, Lady Ruth Khama.

Director of Alliance Francaise, Aurell Gbeffa indicated that the festival was opened with the movie as it illustrated one of the many aspects of the historical relationship between Europe and Botswana. 

She noted that it was also important to bring Botswana to the forefront of the festival as the country had been a model of tolerance during the dark years of apartheid in the region.

The EU Film Festival addresses issues of equality, differences, racial segregation, sexual orientation and social prejudice through six different genre films of romance, a biography, animation and comedy. 

All films will be showcased at Capitol Cinemas Riverwalk from November 27-30. Ends