Quezon City, 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 31 comic artists from around the world come together to showcase how comics reflect, critique, and challenge the status quo!
PHILIPPINES
The Political Idiot | Albert Rodriguez | Miel | Nico Villarete | Roca
Tarantadong Kalbo | Kapitan Tambay | StephB | Cartoonist Zach | Josua
Jesie Castro | Max Santiago | Isang Tasang Kape
INTERNATIONAL
Marco de Angelis (Italy) | L’Andalou (Algeria) | Khire Alshrif (Libya)
Wilcox (Australia) | Zunar (Malaysia) | Ann Telnaes (USA) | Boligán (Mexico)
Chappatte (Switzerland) | Plantu (France) | Kal (USA) | Stellina (Taiwan)
Kak (France) | Thiago (Brazil / Brésil) | Paresh (India) | Dubovsky (Ukraine)
Glez (Burkina Faso) | Mana Neyestani (Iran) | Molina (Nicaragua)
The “PAK Dem!” exhibit opens in Manila, at Comuna, San Antonio Village, Makati City, on September 28, 2024, and in Cebu at the Museum of Art and Culture, University of the Philippines Cebu, Cebu City on October 1, 2024, 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 5 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, 2024, 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 in Southwestern University (SWU) PHINMA Hall, moderated by John Sitchon, Rappler’s Regions Reporter, before the Cebu exhibition opening on September 30, 2024. 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 aiming to raise awareness of fundamental human rights and freedom of expression through visual storytelling. PAK Dem! is one of the many feature events happening under the 12th AVHRF, which will run until October 6.
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.
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ABOUT DAKILA:
DAKILA – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism is an organization of artists, cultural and development activists, students, young professionals, and individuals creatively building a movement of heroism toward social transformation.
ABOUT ACTIVE VISTA:
Active Vista – Active Vista is a learning center established by DAKILA to support its mission of empowering citizens to become agents of social change. It organizes activities geared towards the development of the innate value of arts, media and popular culture as an educational medium to shape critical thought, influence culture, and foster social consciousness and action.
ABOUT CARTOONING FOR PEACE:
Cartooning for Peace is an international network of committed press cartoonists who use humour to fight for respect for cultures and freedoms.
ABOUT ACTIVE VISTA HUMAN RIGHTS FESTIVAL:
The Active Vista Human Rights Festival is an annual event that celebrates rights, freedoms, and dignity. The festival happens on the occasion of commemorating the Martial Law Anniversary in the Philippines every September.
