As a part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Campaign, Clint Eastwood graciously donated his new film, Invictus, for an advance screening at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, two days prior to opening. The gala evening, co-sponsored by the City of West Hollywood in addition to thecommunity.com, recognized various NGOs, honoring the work that they do in light of Human Rights Day [December 10th]. About 400 guests were in attendance – over 1,200 were on the waiting list!
Aid Still Required was asked to participate with other NGOs that included the One Campaign, Artists for Human Rights, CARE, the Enough Project, and Amnesty International.
Bonnie Abaunza, ASR friend, fierce human rights advocate, and Director of Special Projects for Remote Control Productions emceed the screening. A video presentation was shown before the film, in which Archbishop Desmond Tutu gave his illuminary words of gratitude toward Clint Eastwood for making the film, the collective work of NGOs and the essential work that they do in preserving our universal human rights [stay tuned for the video link of his message].
The performances in the movie were effortlessly brilliant, conveying this compelling true story about Nelson Mandela’s endeavors to reunite his country through reconciliation and forgiveness…and rugby!
ASR’s table got a lot of buzz as people came by, picking up ASR bookmarks, brochures on our upcoming projects, and asking more about our work. Hollywood Weekly also came by the table to take pictures of Andrea and Hunter with ASR volunteers Kanoe Y. Wheeler and Eileen Kim, as well as to get a few words from Hunter about our work.