Artist-activist collective Dakila set this year’s Active Vista International Human Rights Festival on September 19-27, filling its program with film screenings, forums, and art dedicated to shedding light into the past, current, and possible future state of human rights in the Philippines. Under the theme “Walang Pipikit”, the program consists of the 20/20 Festival Screenings, Viewpoints Festival Forums, and Panorama Festival Events.

In such a jam-packed festival of this much importance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the discussions and events lined up for you. Most especially if you want to absorb as much history, insight, and knowledge of our country’s reality. The festival as a whole is one important opportunity to educate ourselves, especially in time to get registered as a voter for the coming national elections is 2022.

Just in time for the last stretch of the festival, we’ve laid out a schedule you can follow with some of the notable talks you still have time to join from September 25-27:

September 25, Friday

Disinformation and Deception Decoded, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

In partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation and FYT

The forum is an open discussion on the culture of disinformation in the Philippines, prominently found across digital media in light of past national issues, and the current COVID-19 pandemic. “We invite everyone to join the discussion, ask the difficult questions, spark an insightful discourse, and hear varying perspectives from different point of views,” the organizers shared as it encouraged the youth to join in.

Register now at: bit.ly/DisinformationReg

Know Your Enemy Vol. 2, 8:00-10:00 PM

One activity perfect for your Friday night is this concert from the punk community as they show resistance against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The show is a response of 60+ bands and artists across the archipelago and abroad to the continuous intimidation and silencing of the current administration.

September 26, Saturday

Youth At The Forefront: Shaping the Narrative of a Nation, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

In partnership with We The Future PH and the Commission on Human Rights in the Philippines

Specifically targeted to the youth, the forum aims to open the conversation on the responsibility and power of the youth to safeguard and shape the future of the Philippines. Special performances from artists Mikoy Morales, Bayang Barrios at ang Naliyagan, Noel Cabangon, Bullet Dumas, Ronnie Lazaro, and Ebe Dancel are also in store for the participants tuning in.

Register now: bit.ly/YouthForefrontReg

Lost Frames: Screening | Moving Images 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Participants: Anton Nartea, Epoy Deyto,Neo Maestro, Miguel Lope Inumerable, Roselle Perez

Host/Moderator: Cocoy Lumbao, Vic Balanon, Poklong Anading, Lena Cobangbang, Rico Entico

As video and moving images continue to shape our society and culture, the Lost Frames discussion features five artists in the forefront of its evolving role. The panelists are set to share their insights on the power of the moving image to change society, stimulate self-reflection, and the new practices and directions of the medium.

September 27, Sunday

Politikal ang Komiks, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Independent creatives: Tarantadong Kalbo, Rob Cham, and MarxNotAHero

“A discussion and open forum on political cartooning,” this particular roundtable is an interesting addition to the conversation on art’s role in influencing and developing society. The panelists are set to showcase their works and share how the seemingly light and all-fun medium of comics can actually hold a lot of power in enriching political discourse.

Closing Program, 8:00 – 10:00 PM

The organizers encourage all those interested to register and join in on the events as hundreds of free tickets for the 20/20 Festival Screening lineup will be given to random participants in each event. This includes full-length documentaries and feature films created to shed light into the truths behind Martial Law and the Marcos regime, the dark side of the internet, the rise of extrajudicial killings under President Duterte’s war on drugs, and a lot more.