Would you expect to be treated like these people, who are human beings …
… be humbled by them, those who just wish to have a small
monthly pension income paid to them …
… be seriously put to tears … at humanity’s treatment …
 |
| Man's humanity? |
 |
| Rory Peck |
I was watching Channel 4 tv News when these particular finalists were given airtime with a shortened introductory video to their work as documentary film makers as the entry for the Impact Award for Current Affairs.
I needed to find out more … Dan Fallshaw and Violeta Ayala are married film-makers, producing a number of investigative documentary films … highlighting a number of plights.
 |
| Dan Fallshaw c/o RoryPeckTrust.org |
The Rory Peck (charitable) Trust was set up in 1995 to administer an award named after Rory Peck (1956 – 1993), a Northern-Irish freelance war cameraman – who was killed by crossfire in Moscow, at the time of the Russian Constitutional Crisis of 1993.
 |
| Violete Ayala c/o RoryPeckTrust.org |
The Trust offers discretionary grants to the families of freelance news-gatherers killed whilst on assignment, and crisis support to freelancers who are unable to continue their work due to severe injury, disablement or imprisonment.
 |
| The 'activists' on their way to the capital c/o ibtimes.co.uk |
This short documentary had been produced by the film-makers, Fallshaw and Ayala, highlighting the plight of people with disabilities in Bolivia.
 |
| c/o BusinessInsider.com |
They followed a group of activists across the Andes into the country’s capital, La Paz, to lobby for improved rights and benefits …
… see the video for the full tale and impact of the story – it will appal you … c/o The Guardian ... it is 30 minutes - but very well worth watching ...
Thank you for taking the time to view the video ... it is heart-warming as well as seeing the horrifying treatment ...
Finalist entry Sony Impact Award - the documentary film makers ... the video clip is 7 minutes - the fuller version deserves your time:
We Are The World - In Darkness, Be Light
all peoples need to be treated fairly
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
59 comments:
Oh Hilary. Tears, shame and hope. Sitting alongside awe at the courage of so many.
OMG, how could they? So sad.
The world in which we live is so full of opposites... there are those who care for others and a great number who do not.
Those who trot off to their religious ceremonies, who rant rave tear their clothes point fingers and pray to obscurity and do nothing.
Others who sit quietly go nowhere and send support by way of monies to them, the small few who actively engage with the needy.
Such is the state of this miserable and happy world.
Heartbreaking to hear about. Thanks for sharing the video link so that we can learn more.
It makes me sad to see people mistreated, especially those who are helpless and defenseless.
Not ready to view this at the moment Hilary. Problems closer to home involving a friend but good on you for this humanitarian post!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s contemplative Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Very sad post but as we have such a slow WiFi connection there is no way that I can watch the videos. Maybe just as well as I get very emotional!!
Take care and have a good week Diane
@ EC - it is an amazing piece of freelance film work showing us the total thoughtlessness of the Bolivian authorities ... yes the petitioners are very courageous.
@ Kelly - one wonders ... how humans can treat other humans like this ... especially those in a leadership role ...
@ Mel - sadly the world is in this sorry state, and there are those who are fine but don't care that much ... thankfully we do have people who will do what they can for others ... however we do live in a miserable and for some happy world ... it'd be great if people's consciences came to the fore ...
@ Elizabeth - I hope you'll get a chance to look at the video clips ... it is heart-warming, yet heart-rending too ...
@ Misha - I so agree ... why on earth these people have to suffer even more than the blows life has dealt them anyway ...
@ Bazza - that's fine ... I understand - your friend needs your help and guidance - with thoughts to them for an easier outlook ...
@ Diane - it is extremely sad ... what makes the videos uplifting are the stand the petitioners take ... they just give off positivity in between the pain they are suffering ...
Thanks for visiting - it's good to have your comments and I do hope everyone will get a chance to watch one or both videos - all the best - Hilary
Hopefully it brings awareness and those people get some benefits.
Oh, Hilary, I didn't watch the video. If I were to I would be living with the images for a very long time. There must be people like these in many other places and I often think to myself why am I not doing anything to make things better in the world.....
Makes you realize how bad some have it compared to our, most of the time, complaints. Sad indeed.
documentary filmmakers are unsung heroes, bringing awareness. Thanks for the post and links and continuing awareness. There is such sadness and horror foisted upon people.
Sad how many of those filmmakers die while making their movies.
So very sad.
Sad when we set some peoples troubles to the side and ignore them.
@ Alex - I do hope the Bolivians are giving these people a fair deal ...
@ Beste - I know what you mean - yet surprisingly this was a warm video - despite their appalling states ... they held their heads up ...
@ Pat - yes ... our complaints are completely minor compared to these amazingly strong people who had to walk across the Andes to try to air their grievances and weren't even allowed to do that - incredible that the government were frightened of those few disabled peoples ...
@ Joanne - you're so right about documentary film-makers being unsung heroes and bringing awareness to so many terrible situations going on in the world - I appreciate your interest in their cause ...
@ Diane - yes isn't it ... but then they're bringing so much to our attention - showing us things that we should be more aware of ...
@ Kelly - desperately sad ... so true -
@ Steve - I can't believe what's happened here - and simply cannot believe the Bolivian government can ignore them and not engage in anyway ...
Thanks so much to you all ... it's nice to know you understand their plight ... these WAWTB posts are enlightening ... cheers Hilary
What an amazing group. Good works. No time to watch the video now; will have to come back later.
It is a cruel world but we should never give up hope and be generous when we can.
We should all do our part against cruelty, neglect and abuse where we find it. I haven't watch the videos yet, but I will, Hilary. I saw a documentary about life in North Korea last night. I am ever grateful I was born in a relatively humane country and that I am lucky in enough to live in one too!
I WILL watch it Hilary though I really don't want to. Most often we turn too quickly away from anything that horrifies us - but I do need to stand as witness and not turn away and do whatever I can to be aware of the darkness of humanity and stand up against any form of inhumanity.. thank you.
This is a side of La Paz I didn't see when I travelled to Bolivia a couple of years back...but then I was a tourist, and only saw what they wanted me to see.
Hi Hilary. The video reminds me of what happens under the Dictatorships of some African countries. Yet another example of man's inhumanity to man! Cheers, Kim x
*sigh* Thank you for sharing Hilary. Even if it more than a touch sobering...
How sad and horrible. It does make us realize how lucky we are, and then to be inspired by the courage of those individuals.
Your video reminded me of when I visited Mexico, a posh resort there on the ocean, and went into town. I was appalled by the people begging in the streets, disabled. I haven't returned to Mexico since.
A heart-breaking story and one we should all know about. It's ironic that those most in need of our collective respect and support are those who must marshall the courage and strength to point it out. Kudos to each and every one of them, and may their story be heard widely and the teachings taken to heart.
@ Liz – they are an incredible group – who just believe they deserve some pension money to help them … bearing in mind how challenged they are … thanks for coming back to the video later on …
@ Arleen – it is a really cruel world with some dreadfully insensitive leaders in it … I agree we need to be helpful to all who need our help …
@ Val – I agree we should all do our part against cruelty, neglect and abuse … and I’m glad you’ll watch the video. Oh yes I think North Korea sounds horrible – poor things to be subjected like that … incredible he had a western education – yet behaves as he does …
@ Susan – thanks … I need to watch these sorts of videos when I feel up to it … like you I often turn away … this in a way is quite uplifting … but then if one considers more – it’s very depressing – sadly …
@ Keith – well that’s right … we go where we’re meant to go – but that trip must have been amazing … you’ve done so much touring …
@ Kim – yes I thought of Africa too … man’s inhumanity is unbelievable in this day and age … too ghastly to consider so often …
@ Robert – it’s very sobering isn’t it … what a journey to have to make when you’re that disabled …
@ Christine – they can inspire, even in such a terrible times for them …
@ Jacqui – if we thought about what else was happening in the countries we visited … many of us wouldn’t go back … like in southern Africa … yet the poor need our help … and we need to visit for that to happen …
@ Deborah – it was heart-breaking to watch … and as you say they did marshall their courage to march – and then not be listened to … disgraceful. Exactly – kudos to them … I hope via the Rory Peck Award – their voices will be taken to heart …
Cheers and thanks for coming by and watching the video now or later … Hilary
Terrible that some people inflict such treatment on others. Excellent, though sad that it is necessary, that others will risk their lives to expose it. Thanks for posting.
Dusgusting treatment of a very brave and troubled group of invalids fighting for a better life. they are not asking for much and at least someone in government should talk with them . . . . very sad . .
How very sad! It's terrible that the government isn't listening to them.
Such a lot of sadness in the world. Heartbreaking.
I hope you are well, Hilary. Take good care and have a lovely November.
It's horrifying that so many people lack a sense of compassion, but when a government sanctions this kind of behavior, it's beyond appalling. God bless the filmmakers who care enough to shed a light on these dark spots in our society. (And you, too... for telling US about it.)
You don't need to go all the way to Bolivia to find this kind of total lack of compassion and respect for human life. It was less than two months ago that police forcefully dragged people in wheelchairs out of the US senate for protesting changes to health care that would literally bankrupt and/or kill them.
There is a huge difference between action and thought. Humans need to care for other humans. Everyone deserves dignity. Thank you for sharing this with your followers. All the best to you!
Everyone deserves to be treated fairly and equally, with dignity and respect. So sad to read heartbreaking stories like this. Best wishes to you, Hilary.
Seeing disabled people treated badly never fails to anger and sicken me.
Thank you for posting about this video. The more people who see it, the more there's a chance that it will make a difference in the lives of these people. Truly tragic. I'll definitely pass on the link and the information.
I saw your comment on my old blog, and I guess my link to the new blog didn't work this morning. Why am I not surprised? A month off and I can't do links? Anyway, hope you'll come over and tell me what you think of my new digs. Here's the link: http://www.cleemckenziebooks.com/
The world has a long way to go...
Lee
Tossing It Out
@ Nick – it’s awful isn’t it, but wonderful some people care enough to record it for us … so we at least know and are aware …
@ Eddie – I agree – they are so brave to fight for a tiny bit of a better life for them. The government should help them … but can’t even talk to them … too awful …
@ Jean – I was horrified when I saw their plight and their tenacity to draw attention to their needs …
@Nicola – it is just desperate that people have to struggle to get any help for their disabilities … makes me so sad.
Thanks – I’m well and will be by shortly …
@ Susan – I couldn’t believe the film when I saw it – and yes a government not even being polite enough to talk to them …
This award was interesting to find out about … and as you say the film makers do a necessary thing showing us these kind of disgraceful behaviours in our societies …
@ CD – yes, thank you for reminding us about life closer to home – Spain too … dragged protesters by their hair … I don’t see how a human being, especially a law enforcement officer, can do that sort of thing – humanity? Where is it …
@ Victoria – it’s the government and the law enforcement officers that are doing this – that’s the dreadful thing … as you so rightly say we need to care for each other – and we all deserve dignity …
@ Suzanne – we all need reasonable and fair treatment ... and to be treated with dignity and respect – we shouldn’t need to read stories like this …
@ Chrys – I’m sure you get really upset about this … and totally agree with you re feeling anger and sickness at their treatment.
@ Lee – I hope more people from here will get an idea of what’s happening in Bolivia … it’s so unfair and so cruel …
I guessed you’d sort the link out and was/am coming back over … see you at your new blog soon!
@ Lee – we have a huge way to go … so much nastiness is now being whipped up … we should be compassionate to all …
Thanks everyone – I hope you pass the word on for me … and more importantly for these disabled folk – who deserve our support … Hilary
Hi Hilary, Seeing the unconscionable treatment of the disabled Bolivians was deeply disturbing. I couldn't watch it for more than a few seconds. I admire their courage and perseverance. Thank you for reminding me to think twice before complaining again.
Julie
I'll have to come back to watch since the TV is on. There are so many terrible things going on all over the world. It can be overwhelming.
Nancy
This is shocking Hilary ... thank you for sharing it - we all need to know these stories that don't reach the so-called news we receive over here. Fil x
Hi Hilary
I haven't watched the video yet but I'm already HORRIFIED at that first picture...
Man's level of inhumanity is out of control!
I'll watch when I get a chance.
Holy cow! I nearly sobbed. These film-makers are true champions for doing what they do. A Trust for families of the fallen is suitably honorable recompense, though I abhor those who cause the need for such things. How is it possible that tyranny like that still exists in today's world? I think that the world's first paraplegic President, Lenin Moreno (of Ecuador), may instigate some overdue changes, don't you?
I hate seeing people badly treated, but know many people in my country are. So I try to be kind to everyone.
It boggles my mind that people are able to treat others that way.
that is terrible, but thank you for bringing it to light.
I had no idea. We can be so isolated in our own little worlds, can't we? Motivates me to really and prayerfully consider what I can do to make the world a better place. It's good of you to share. Hope you have nice weekend.
@ Julie – it was a very revealing film … and unconscionable is a pertinent word to describe their treatment … I know we should be aware when see people like these … andreally think before we complain.
@ Nancy – sadly there is so much cruelty going on in the world – this just deserved to be known about …
@ Fil – it is, I agree, appalling and horrifying to know other humans can think they can forget these peoples …
@ Michelle – yes I needed to show what the film was about and that poor man in this photo exemplified the appallingness of these people’s situation …
@ Diedre – I do cry seeing these type of videos – man’s inhumanity. I so agree the film-makers are champions for being there and producing films like this for us to see. The Rory Peck award gives an opportunity for us to hear about other film-makers and cameramen highlighting political or difficult subjects as here. I hadn’t heard about President Lenin Morena (of Ecuador) … thanks for telling us about him …
@ Mary – Yes I try and be fair to all … and also know that not everyone helps others …
@ Lynda – it’s dreadful that leaders feel they can treat others like this – I hope the film is aired widely …
@ Sage – I thought it was worth knowing about … just desperate and so unfair to people who are so unfortunate …
@ Karen – I hadn’t either, I know life in some countries is appalling … but to find this being filmed really brought the situation home – and I hope their lives have improved a little …
Thank you for visiting … and every time we feel miserable or irritated … we can now think of these humble few and remind ourselves we are so lucky … have a peaceful weekend - Hilary
Hey There Hilary! As you know, my blog is dedicated to domestic violence and the plight of the homeless, so seeing that this mistreatment is going on saddens me even further. No one deserves to be mistreated, humiliated or abused for any reason. It still amazes me that people can be so cruel and have no conscious. I mean how in the world can people sleep at night??!!! Thank you so much for sharing this, as painful as it is to see. A light needed to be shed. Hugs...RO
It's heartbreaking this can happen in modern times. I shouldn't be shocked--it's not new, but I still am.
One person at a time doing good can help change the world. My oldest son, trained in finance at a Benedictine college took a job in Minneapolis, Mn helping to structure and support food shelves and shelters. His name and efforts are still reminded to us by those he helped ten years after he was lost to the effects of bi-polar disease....
My sister adopted a little girl from China a couple years back. The poor thing would never have been taken care of as she deserved if she hadn't been adopted due to her special needs. If only she was the exception to the rule, but she's not. Governments do need to assist these individuals, but I feel it's most important for us to step up and assist where we can as humanitarians.
@ RO – I now have seen your tabs for domestic violence and plight of the homeless – and quite realise you’d be very shocked at this post … I know, I wonder how people can sleep and not worry about the state of these incredibly unfortunate people.
@ Holly – anything where these sorts of horrors happen and complete lack of empathy for these unfortunate people … just is so unnecessary in this day and age …
@ Troutbirder – your son sounds as though he was a magical person … I feel for you both losing him so young. I’m glad he’s left a legacy for you and others to remember him by …
@ Crystal – that’s a wonderful thing your sister has done for her adopted child … especially bearing in mind the child’s plight – at least she will have care and love being with your sister; You’re right about us all stepping up and assisting as we can with all peoples – whatever their needs.
Thank you so much – it’s wonderful having empathetic commenters … have peaceful weekends – cheers Hilary
I don't have time to watch right now, but I will be back to watch when I have the 30 minutes or more I should devote to watching it. Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess
Thanks Jess - it's worth watching ... when you have a chance ... cheers Hilary
There is so much suffering in the world - this is heartbreaking, indeed.
Lollygagging I am familiar with. And have been accused of it on occasion:) Grin.
Have a great one, Hilary.
@ Lynn - it is as you say another area of suffering - that is unnecessary with a little government support - it's not much to ask is it - heartbreaking as you mention ...
@ Sandra - thanks ... this is for the next post ... it is lovely when we can lollygag ...
Cheers and thanks for your comments ... Hilary
Post a Comment