Memoria [EN] No. 23 (08/2019) | Page 53

Why did you choose your particular method to educate and discuss things, and why do you think your method enables you to raise awareness?

Mr Bernstein started his non-profit, Global Citizen, 25 years ago, after a career in politics and government. He is frustrated by many elements in society, such as the answer to the criminal justice system being more prisons rather than more jobs or better housing. He spoke of America as “a divided nation, living in strange times” and described how his organisation tries to bring people together to combat racism, sexism, homophobia and other issues. Global Citizen engages people from all walks of life in different activities with the aim of encouraging reflection and a sustainable community impact.

In addition to being a filmmaker, Ms Allegra is the founder of a small NGO, Limbo, that assists torture camp survivors. She told the audience about the torture camps that are currently set up in the Sinai Peninsula, which she herself only learned about in recent years. Limbo was established to help survivors, particularly children, many of whom are travelling to Europe after being released. Ms Allegra spoke passionately about her native France’s lack of support and treatment for these victims, many of whom have been repeatedly raped, beaten and starved. Allegra says she is trying to raise awareness through her activism and films, but there is still a long way to go.