Special Screening of Canadian Documentary PROSECUTOR: Law. No order with distinguished guest Luis Moreno-Ocampo
On Wenesday, May 4, 2011, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations hosted a special screening of Canadian filmmaker Barry Stevens’ critically-acclaimed documentary PROSECUTOR: Law. No Order in presence of distinguished guest Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mr. Ocampo addresses the crowd.
PROSECUTOR follows Mr. Moreno-Ocampo in his struggle for international justice and peace as he wishes to render accountable for their actions public and political figures responsible for the initiation and perpetration of crimes against humanity. The film, which looks into the dynamics of the Court and its ramifications, covers the first trial to ever take place at the ICC. While initially, many wonder if the ICC is the cornerstone of a means to ensure international justice or a mere utopia, Mr. Ocampo rapidly proves the legitimacy of the legal body by declaring, in his very first opening statement, “The era of impunity is ending.”
PROSECUTOR presents a pacifistic understanding of international relations, one in which the law, as opposed to vengeance and retaliation, becomes the prioritized response to mass violence.
A number of member states representatives from a variety of UN missions attended the screening, which was followed by a question and answer period with the charismatic Luis Moreno-Ocampo. He candidly offered his perspective on a variety of concrete cases, in addition to affirming his belief in the relevance and success of the ICC. Despite some scepticism and cynicism towards the work of the ICC, Mr. Ocampo reiterated that “peace and justice do work together. We can change behaviour without changing regimes.”
Mr. Ocampo takes great pride in discussing the ICC.
Madeleine Gorman, legal intern at the Canadian Mission, states, “The film was fantastic, and I was really impressed by how frankly the Prosecutor responded to our questions. It was a real honour to meet someone who has made such a large impact on international law.” Number of member states representatives from a variety of UN missions attended the screening, which was followed by a reception hosted by Ambassador Gilles Rivard that allowed present guests to exchange ideas and opinions with Mr. Ocampo.
PROSECUTOR was directed by international award-winning filmmaker Barry Stevens and produced by award winning filmmaker, journalist and writer Peter Raymont. Produced by White Pine Pictures in co-production with the National Film Board of Canada.
Screening at the United Nations Headquarters
On Tuesday, June 7th, following the success of the May 4th event, the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and the Permanent Mission of Guatemala to the United Nations, in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, hosted a special screening of PROSECUTOR in the Economic and Social Council Chamber of the UN Headquarters. Approximately 150 guests representing UN member state delegations, non-governmental organizations, the Canadian Consulate, the National Film Board of Canada and media bodies attended the popular event, which was followed by a discussion with Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, and Barry Stevens, writer and director.
Attendees enthusiastically participated in the discussion, which mainly focused on current issues alluding to the actions of the ICC. The presence of Director Barry Stevens added a supplementary dimension to the high-level debates that occurred. The screening of PROSECUTOR at the United Nations Headquarters proved to be a fantastic occasion for Canada to reiterate its trust in the International Criminal Court.
Mr. Ocampo and Mr. Stevens answer questions from the crowd of 150 in the Economic and Social Council Chamber of the UN Headquarters.
