In an effort to address unresolved conflicts, promote peacebuilding, and amplify voices of marginalised communities, EUMM and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting today hosted a public screening of the documentary film Haztag: Separating Inseparable. The film, which was screened in the social enterprise Knowledge Café in Tsnori, sheds a light on the less explored aspects of conflicts in Georgia. During the event, participants were also encouraged to participate in the ongoing 2023 edition of the EUMM Special Prize for Peace Journalism.
The documentary film Haztag delves into the deeply personal stories of ethnic Ossetians who fled their homes during the 1991-1992 conflict. Through this film, documentary maker and 2020 EUMM Special Prize winner – Ketevan Magradze – seeks to bridge the gap in understanding by offering Georgian audiences a glimpse into the experiences and emotions of Ossetians affected by the conflict.
Countering stereotypes
“Georgias conflicts have often been covered from a unilateral perspective in the Georgian media. Haztag challenges this narrative and aims to promote a more comprehensive understanding of the conflict. By countering existing stereotypes, the event endeavours to create an environment that encourages tolerance, empathy, and peacebuilding,” said Nino Gerzmava, the IWPR project manager and event co-organiser.
“It was great to participate in the event today – to see so many young people engaged in lively discussions on often difficult topics, such as reconciliation among divided societies. With the Special Prize for Peace Journalism, the EUMM annually seeks and rewards highly professional and conflict-sensitive journalism that contributes to confidence-building among communities affected by the conflict. This is one of the priorities of the Mission,” said Jakub Simak, the Press and Public Information Officer at EUMM. “We hope to see many applications for the Prize competition, which we launched in May, especially from journalists from the regions, such as Kakheti.”
The film screening was followed by an open discussion during which the participants had the opportunity to engage with local journalists, activists, the films author, as well as IWPR and EUMM representatives.
EUMM Special Prize for Peace Journalism
The EUMM Special Prize for Peace Journalism is one of eight categories of the EU Prize for Journalism in Georgia, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia. Introduced in 2013, this is the eleventh consecutive year of the award. The prize rewards ethical, independent and conflict-sensitive journalism that contributes to confidence-building and peace among divided communities in Georgia. The EUMM-sponsored prize is organised in close partnership with IWPR.
The Prize competition is now open for entries, the deadline for submitting is 1 November 2023.
