OSCE Centre in Bishkek supports film festival against bullying in schools

BISHKEK, 10 December 2010 - A Youth Film Festival that aims to raise awareness about school bullying was held today in Bishkek with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The festival, organized in co-operation with a non-governmental organization Nashe Pravo (Our Right), features four short video films that address different aspects of school bullying, including its causes and effects and the dynamics between assaulters and victims. The films were produced by professionals and youth centres.

The best works will be considered for use in a countrywide awareness-raising campaign.

Tarmo Viikmaa, Community Policing Adviser in the OSCE Police Reform Programme for Kyrgyzstan, said: "The practice shows that raising awareness through art is an effective tool. It is different from traditional approaches. It is about creativity, and it engages the audience - especially young people - not only to listen but also to hear, not only to watch, but also to see."

"We have sought to draw attention of the society to the problem of school bullying in Kyrgyzstan," said Kalicha Umuralieva, the Head of the NGO Nashe Pravo. "This event promotes the arts versus crime agenda, which should bring positive results. I hope this initiative will receive further support, and events like this will be regularly organized in the future."