Since its inception, the United Nations has used films to promote international cooperation and understanding. In its early years, the UN had a strong and active Films and Visual Information Division which produced documentary films and supported those by independent producers on subjects related to the work and the goals of the United Nations. Some of these won Academy Awards for documentary short films, such as “Seeds of Destiny” in 1946 and “First Steps” in 1947. A monthly bulletin called “United Nations Film News” contained news on related activities of interest. UNESCO also supported the film programme and produced films such as the Canadian documentary “Hungry Minds” in 1948.

On four dates in June and August 2004 UIE and the Hamburg Metropolis cinema will show historical films, many of them from the UN, on different topics from the years following the Second World War. For each event an expert will give an introduction to the programme and lead a public discussion. Heiner Roß, Head of the Hamburg film archives, will provide the public with background information on the films. 
 

Preliminary Programme:

Sunday, 20 June 2004 (World Refugee Day): Refugees
Introduction: Prof. Rita Süssmuth, Chair, Independent Council of experts on Migration and Integration

“Asylrecht/Sanctuary” (Germany, 1947, 37 min.). About the traffic between the different zones in Germany. The film has been shown as a fundraising film all over the world. 
“The Way from Germany” (GB, 1946, 11 min.). About the displaced persons who returned from Germany after the war. 
“Flüchtlinge, eine Frage der Zeit/Refugees–A Question of Time” (Germany, 1951, 17 min., in German language). Was produced for the German people to raise acceptance for the refugees.

Tuesday, 22 June 2004: “Now – The Peace”. 
The World after the Second World War
Introduction: Prof. Karl-Peter Fritzsche, UNESCO Chair for Human Rights Education, University of Madgeburg

“War For Men's Minds” (UN/Canada, 1943, 41 min.). Explores and examines the propaganda methods used by Nazi Germany and the Allies.
“Now – The Peace” (Canada, 1945, 21 min.). This film looks at the plans made at Dumbarton Oaks in 1945 for a renewed international organization devoted to world peace – the United Nations.
“Seeds of Destiny” (USA, 1946, 21 min.). Documents the plight of the victims of the Nazi regime and the millions of children left at the end of the war in refugee camps, bombed-out cities and other locations. This film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 1946. As a fundraising film for the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA), it reached an audience of more than 11 million people in churches, union halls and meetings of civic organizations.

Sunday, 29 August 2004: "Saber es Poder" – The Role of Education
Introduction: Prof. Klaus Hüfner, former President of the German Commission for UNESCO

“Man One Family” (GB, 1946, 16 min.). A plea for better human relations through the world in terms of common interests, needs and scientific facts. Speaker: Julian Huxley, first Director-General of UNESCO.
“Hungry Minds” (1948, Canada/UNESCO, 11 min.). A report of intellectual starvation in countries scourged by Nazi occupation. Text books, writing materials, research equipment and a thousand other tools of knowledge are needed to overcome apathy and hostility and to open young minds to the promise of a more peaceful world.
“Saber es Poder/That All May Learn” (1949, United Nations Film Board, 22 min.).Tells the story of a Mexican village, poverty-stricken and illiterate, in danger of being exploited by racketeers but saved because a peasant's wife learns to write. 
“Brotherhood of Man” (USA, 1949, 11 min.). Animated colour-cartoon based on the book “Races of Mankind”. Gives the scientific facts of the basic equality of all peoples.

Tuesday, 31 August 2004: The Early Years of the United Nations
Introduction: Dr. Manuel Fröhlich, University of Jena

“International Zone” (USA, 1961, 29 min.). Documents the end of World War II and the founding of the United Nations
“Für die Kinder der Welt” (Germany, 1951, 13 min.). The first film of the Federal Republic of Germany on the work of UNICEF.
“Clearing the Way” (UN, 1948, 30 min.) Shows how a part of town in New 
York City is demolished to make room for the construction of the United 
Nations Building and how this is explained to the people in the neighbourhood.

All programmes start at 19.00 hrs. at the Metropolis Cinema, Dammtorstr. 30a, 20354 Hamburg. 
Entrance fee: 6 Euro.

  
Contact:
Maren Elfert, Public Relations
UNESCO Institute for Education
Feldbrunnenstr. 58, D-20148 Hamburg, Tel.: +49-40-448041-40, Fax: +49-40-4107723, 
m.elfert@unesco.org