CJFE Welcomes Gemini Award Recognition of Film about Press Freedom

TORONTO, Sept. 6 /CNW/ - Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) welcomes the news that the film "So Far From Home" has been nominated for a Gemini award. CJFE was proud to be associated with the film that shone a spotlight on the challenges and dangers faced by five journalists from regions of major conflict.

CJFE congratulates director Vladimir Kabelik of Willing Mind Productions Inc. on his nomination for best writing in a documentary program or series category at the 25th annual Gemini Awards. The documentary film "So Far From Home", written, directed and produced by Kabelik takes us into the world of journalists, Nikahang Kowsar, Mir Mahdavi, Mohsin Abbas, Aaron Berhane and Mike Odongkara, all of whom were forced to flee their homelands because of their reporting. The film shows how they are rebuilding their lives and careers here in Canada, and also looks at the state of free expression in their respective countries of origin: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Eritrea and Uganda.

The film aired on Omni Television in 2009/2010 and was made possible by OMNI's Independent Producers Initiative. "So Far From Home" premiered in a special benefit screening with partners CJFE and Sheridan College on September 23, 2009.

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) boldly champions the free expression rights of journalists and media workers around the world. In Canada, we monitor, defend and promote free expression and access to information. We encourage and support individuals and groups to be vigilant in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. We are active participants and builders of the global free expression community.

    
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For further information: CJFE Manager, Julie Payne at [phone] x. 226