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UNITED, A HUMAN RIGHTS MUSIC VIDEO
SWEEPS FILM FESTIVALS
It’s been six months since Youth for Human Rights International released their emotionally charged human rights music video, UNITED, and already it has been accepted into seven film festivals, including the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival—the largest film festival in the world.
“It’s amazing when you consider how young we all are,” says director Taron Lexton, a Los Angeles resident who was 19 years old when he filmed the music video last year. The majority of the cast and crew consisted of teenagers and pre-teens. “And I guess it also goes to show that the world actually can respond to positive material.”
UNITED tells the story of an inner-city kid who has to fight for his right to play basketball. It was filmed over 8 months in 14 countries—in fact, the filmmakers completely circumnavigated the globe through the course of production.
The film is educational in nature, but deceptively so. According to Mary Shuttleworth, the founder of Youth for Human Rights and executive producer of the film, “This music video is a whole new angle on human rights education. It has opened so many doors for us—to the media, to world leaders, and to the hearts of children around the world.”
Taron Lexton, the19-year-old director, during the production of the UNITED music video – now to be featured in the largest film festival in the world.
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Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is a Los Angeles-based organization that teaches human rights to young people. It now operates in 25 countries across the globe, teaching tens of thousands of youth about human rights. Working closely with YHRI and helping to supply artistic talent and volunteer support is the Human Rights Department of the Church of Scientology International.
The purpose of Youth for Human Rights is to teach kids their human rights, and to promote youth-to-youth mentorship. UNITED is only one piece in their master plan, which includes a full scholastic curriculum, based on the music video and other materials.
Ms. Shuttleworth stresses the fact that the film was made by youth, for youth. “I realized early on that kids listen best to other kids. That’s what I mean by youth-to-youth mentorship. Give them a platform from which to speak, and you will often be amazed at what they have to say.”
UNITED has received accolades from the likes of Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, Style Magazine, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and even Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It has aired on some of the world’s most popular music TV stations, and is now set to play all across the Czech Republic in that country’s largest theater chain.
The film includes cameo performances by Isaac Hayes (South Park), Erika Christensen (Traffic, Upside of Anger), Jenna Elfman (EdTV, Keeping the Faith), Catherine Bell (JAG), and Lynsey Bartilson (Grounded for Life).
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival will be held from April 28th - May 8th. UNITED will be screening on the evening of Saturday, April 30th. For more information, you can visit their website at www.youthforhumanrights.org.
“By all signs,” adds Ms. Shuttleworth with a definite glimmer, “this is just the beginning.”
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