Free Movie Showing for 420 Invitees including Disabled People in the First Year of the Act on Prohibition of Discrimination Against People with Disabilities and the 28th Anniversary of the Disabled Persons' Day
On the occasion of the 28th anniversary of the Disabled Persons' Day, the Busan Regional Office of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (Director Gwang-Young Lee) held a 'free movie showing for 420 invitees' at CGV Seomyeon Theatre from April 21 (Monday) to April 30 (Friday) in conjunction with the 'CJ CGV Seomyeon 12' and '2008?420 Busan Joint Group for Eliminating Discrimination Against People with Disabilities.'
The event was held under the auspices of CGV Seomyeon and was meant to publicize the importance of the cultural rights of persons with disabilities as well as the need to make more strenuous efforts to guarantee such rights for people with disabilities in the region on the occasion of the 28th Disabled Persons' Day.
Seventeen movies were shown to 420 people including persons with disabilities representing all disability grades, disabled persons' assistants, and activists from related groups. Those movies, which are currently being screened at CGV Seomyeon, included 'Viva! Love,' 'The Air I Breathe,' and 'Sicko.'
According to a fact-finding investigation into cultural needs of the disabled (2000) conducted for the purpose of formulating the national action plan for the promotion and protection of human rights, only 28.7% of them had experienced cultural activities. Although a majority of people with disabilities have a strong desire to enjoy cultural activities, they typically only watch TV or read at home. Major causes behind the failure to guarantee the right to enjoy culture and leisure for the disabled include a lack of cultural policies for them, insufficient cultural spaces available to them, and a shortage of convenience facilities for their movement and access.
The NHRCK hopes that this event will provide a chance to enjoy culture and leisure to people with disabilities and also direct attention to their right to movement and access towards that end.
