'Call Me Kuchu' on Gay Activism in Uganda Screening in West Hollywood

18 Oct 2013 20:04 Africa/Lagos

Award-Winning Documentary 'Call Me Kuchu' Spotlights LGBT Activism amid Brutal Persecution in Uganda at Upcoming Screening in West Hollywood

Filmmakers Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright to join celebrated Ugandan LGBT activist Frank Mugisha for panel discussion and reception after the film

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Oct. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The David Kato Vision & Voice Award has partnered with AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA), the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF), and the City of West Hollywood to co-sponsor an upcoming screening of the critically acclaimed film, "Call Me Kuchu." The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and reception with filmmakers Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright, as well as celebrated Ugandan LGBT activist Frank Mugisha, recipient of the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award, who is featured in the documentary.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131018/DC00344)

Named as a potential Oscar contender by both The Hollywood Reporter and Indiewire, "Call Me Kuchu" follows Uganda's first openly gay man, David Kato, and retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo as they work against the clock to defeat an "Anti-Homosexuality Bill," inspired in part by American evangelical missionaries. As they work to combat the Bill, which proposes death for HIV-positive gay men and prison for anyone who fails to turn in a known homosexual, they must also fight vicious persecution in their daily lives. But no one is prepared for the brutal murder that shakes the movement to its core and sends shock waves around the world. "Call Me Kuchu" is a stirring portrait of human courage in the face of insurmountable odds.

Since premiering at the Berlin Film Festival, "Call Me Kuchu" has received more than 20 awards, including the prestigious Teddy Award in Berlin, and was selected as a New York Times Critics' Pick following its theatrical release in the US earlier this year. Both the Hollywood Reporter and Indiewire Magazine have named the film as a potential Oscar contender for the documentary category. The film and the activists it follows have also received praise from human rights advocates worldwide, including UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. "The hardest work is done by local activists like those you will see in this film," Mr. Ban said in a public statement. "To them I want to say: You are an inspiration to me."

This screening is free and open to the public. Voluntary donations will be collected to support the David Kato Vision & Voice Award (DKVVA), which is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates courage and outstanding leadership in advocacy for the sexual rights of LGBT people in hostile environments. Founded in commemoration of David Kato's life and work, the DKVVA provides recipients with $10,000 to further their efforts to advance LGBT rights in their own communities. Past recipients of the award include Jamaican activist Maurice Tomlinson and Ali Erol, founder of the Turkish advocacy organization Kaos GL.

More information about the film can be found on the "Call Me Kuchu" website at http://callmekuchu.com/ . More information about the David Kato Vision & Voice Award can be found on the DKVVA website at http://www.visionandvoiceaward.com/ .

Date & Time
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location
West Hollywood City Council Chambers
625 N San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Participants are requested to RSVP in advance at www.APLA.org/callmekuchu . Free parking is available in the 5-Story Public & Park Parking Structure at the West Hollywood Library.

Press is invited to this event. Please contact Jack Beck at jbeck@msmgf.org for additional information.

Media Contact
Jack Beck
+1.510.332.0786
jbeck@msmgf.org

SOURCE The Global Forum on MSM & HIV

Web Site: http://www.msmgf.org

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