In commemoration of United Nations Human Rights Day, VIUFA’s Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee presents a free film screening at VIU on Wednesday, December 10 from 4-6pm in bldg 355 rm 203.
Special guests will join leaders of Bolt Safety Society (BSS) in a discussion of an original film produced by the Canadian ‘tech startup meets non-profit’ that prevents and responds to sexual violence.
Bolt Safety has led humanitarian projects to champion human rights in Kenya, Colombia, and India. Through documentary film production, legislative advocacy, high-level presentations, and strategic partnerships, BSS brings safety and equity to the forefront of cross-sectoral conversations.
forget me not is a short film (pre-release) produced on-ground in Cali, Colombia, centered on spotlighting the stories of those who are often left out of human rights conversations. The film features first-hand interviews with human rights champions addressing topics like the legalities of sex work, military and racial violence, incarceration and modern slavery, and cultural preservation as a conduit for hope amidst the darkness.
The film creates an opportunity for dialogue on human rights issues and the underlying themes of power, oppression, and exploitation; it invites viewers to reflect and remind themselves of the power of our collective to make a meaningful difference.
UN Human Rights Day reaffirms the values of human rights. It is observed annually around the world, since 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was proclaimed. This global pledge enshrines inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The theme this year is to bridge the gap between human rights principles and everyday experiences, by sparking awareness, inspiring confidence and encouraging collective action.
The UN Human Rights Day campaign emphasizes that human rights are positive, essential and attainable.
December 10 is the final day of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
Free entry, guest panelists, discussion, refreshments.
Contact: Eliza Gardiner, hris@viufa.ca
MEDIA release:
Vancouver Island University
December 10, 2025
Human Rights Day film screening event
4-6pm
Bldg 355 Rm 203
VIUFA’s Human Rights and International Solidarity Committee presents a free film screening on Wednesday, December 10 from 4-6pm in bldg 355 rm 203.
In commemoration of United Nations Human Rights Day, special guests from the campus community will join leaders of Bolt Safety Society (BSS) in a discussion of an original film produced by the Canadian ‘tech startup meets non-profit’ that prevents and responds to sexual violence.
Bolt Safety has led humanitarian projects to champion human rights in Kenya, Colombia, and India. Through documentary film production, legislative advocacy, high-level presentations, and strategic partnerships, BSS brings safety and equity to the forefront of cross-sectoral conversations.
forget me not is a short film produced on-ground in Cali, Colombia, centered on spotlighting the stories of those who are often left out of human rights conversations. The film features first-hand interviews with human rights champions addressing topics like the legalities of sex work, military and racial violence, incarceration and modern slavery, and cultural preservation as a conduit for hope amidst the darkness.
We often think that what happens in the Global South doesn’t affect the Global North, and vice-versa, but in reality, our politics, rights, and freedoms are intimately intertwined.
The film creates an opportunity for dialogue on human rights issues and the underlying themes of power, oppression, and exploitation; it invites viewers to reflect and remind themselves of the power of our collective to make a meaningful difference.
Join us for an exclusive pre-release screening of the film, and discussion with guest panelists.
Light refreshments will be shared.
Bolt Safety has impacted over 38,000+ people globally with 2.1M+ online impressions. The society has built a digital database of survivor-centric resources, a Safe Hubs network with partner safe spaces spanning 61 locations and 19 cities, and Project LyghtNyng workshops that promote cultures of consent and respect.
The organization’s leadership has received distinguished awards from L’Oréal Paris, the Government of Canada, and RBC. Co-founder and executive director Vedanshi Vala was a recipient of the Top 30 Under 30 BC Business award in 2025. She represented Bolt Safety and its humanitarian focus at three sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (2023-2025).
UN Human Rights Day reaffirms the values of human rights. It is observed annually around the world, since 1948 when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was proclaimed. This global pledge enshrines inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The theme this year is to bridge the gap between human rights principles and everyday experiences, by sparking awareness, inspiring confidence and encouraging collective action.
The UN Human Rights Day campaign emphasizes that human rights are positive, essential and attainable.
December 10 is the final day of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence campaign.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day
Contact: hris@viufa.ca