To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration
of Human Rights (UDHR) and make it accessible to the largest
possible audience, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human
Rights (OHCHR) and the European Commission chose ART for The World to produce
a long-feature film composed by a series of short films directed
by
filmmakers and video artists to convey the timeless
significance of human rights and their underlying values.
Approximately 22 well-known filmmakers and video artists from all over the world were contacted and - as a source of inspiration and orientation - provided with one cross-cutting theme representing the UDHR: Culture, Development, Dignity and Justice, Environment, Gender and Participation.
Following their personal vision, each of the invitees wrote a story related to one of these six themes for their 3 minute short movie.
The Post Production
After delivery of all the completed short films by July 2008, each one was subtitled in the six official languages of the United Nations (UN): English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian and Chinese .
The composer Michael Galasso, who is known for his soundtrack of Wong-Kar Wai’s film “In the Mood for Love” and his many original compositions for Robert Wilson’s performances and theater plays, provided the long-feature film with a special composition for the sound track of the opening titles and the credits.
The official screenings
The long feature film was presented on the day of the 60th anniversary of the UDHR, 10 December 2008, in many cities around the world, in particular in New York, in a special session of the UN General Assembly and in Paris at the Palais de Chaillot, where the declaration was signed in 1948.
