MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival presents “PAK Dem!: Political Cartooning for Democracy and Human Rights,” a collaboration between Cartooning for Peace (CFP), DAKILA, and Active Vista, supported by The French Embassy in Manila. The events in Manila and Cebu highlight the powerful role of political cartoons in promoting press freedom and democracy, featuring the works and insights of cartoonists from the Philippines (Zach, Roca, StephB, Nico Villarete, The Political Idiot, Josua Cabrera), India (Paresh), Australia (Wilcox), Taiwan (Stellina), and France (Kak, President of CFP).
The “PAK Dem!” exhibit opens in Manila at Comuna, San Antonio Village, Makati City, on September 28, and in Cebu at the Museum of Art and Culture, University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu City, on October 01, with live cartooning and workshops by CFP and DAKILA artists. Curated by Cartooning for Peace and DAKILA member and Filipino cartoonist Zach, the exhibit showcases 31 thought-provoking cartoons from around the world, tackling critical themes such as press freedom, freedom of expression, and the battle against disinformation. The exhibit runs until October 05 for Manila and October 30 for Cebu.
In addition to the exhibition, the conversation on press freedom and human rights continues with a roundtable discussion (RTD) held in partnership with Rappler on September 29 at the Rappler Newsroom in Pasig City, moderated by Pia Ranada, Filipino journalist and Rappler’s Community Lead. Meanwhile, the Cebu RTD will be held at Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA Hall, moderated by John Sitchon, Rappler’s Regions Reporter, before the Cebu exhibition opens on September 30. The roundtable discussion will bring together international cartoonists to share their insights on the powerful intersection of art, journalism, and human rights.
“PAK Dem!” is an event that gathers cartoonists, visual artists, illustrators, journalists, and the public to raise awareness of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression through visual storytelling. It is one of the many feature events under the 12th AVHRF, which will run until October 06.
The PAK! Dem events are free and open to the public.
Register to the PAK! Dem Manila RTD: https://bit.ly/PAKRTDRegistration
Register to the PAK! Dem Cebu RTD: bit.ly/PAKRTDCebuRegistration
Register to the PAK! Dem Cebu Exhibit & Workshop: bit.ly/PAKWRKCebuRegistration
The PAK! Dem series of events in Cebu and Manila is made possible with the support of the French Embassy.