On 7 Feb 2025, we re-started our FreedomFilmFest Fringe Screenings Series with the documentary War And Justice directed by Marcus Vetter and Michele Gentile. It was a private event where only friends were invited.
We had, in collaboration with our Malaysian partner, Freedom Film Network, held our Freedomfilmfest at The Projector in November 24. Our Fringe Screenings Series is a continuation of our FreedomFilmFest.
WAR AND JUSTICE documents the history of how and why the International Criminal Court was established. Benjamin B Ferencz, the brilliant American lawyer and investigator of Nazi war crimes played a very important part in its founding which took decades. One hundred and twenty countries finally adopted the Rome Statute in 1998 and the ICC was established. The court began operation in 2002 with Luis Moreno Ocampo as its first prosecutor. Today it has 125 members.
The film directors had access to excellent footages of trials and atrocities committed by warring parties. The documentary showed briefly, the first trial of the court – Congolese rebel leader Thomas Lubanga Dyilo. He was found guilty of using child soldiers in war.
War and Justice also addressed criticisms that the ICC is a biased institution in that it failed to prosecute American leaders while pursuing others including Saddam Hussein and President Vladimir Putin. It attempts to explain the complexities of international law and the limitations of the ICC
The ICC is under tremendous pressure today. President Trump has signed executive orders and sanctions have been issued against the ICC. Can the 125 countries in the world withstand such challenges and threats? Will there be unity and strength to stand up against the big powers?
No one wins by conducting wars. What is important is justice for all.
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