Imagine spending years in prison without being charged with a crime or knowing exactly what you’re accused of.
A film about the human impact of the “War on Terror,” The Secret Trial 5 is a sobering examination of the Canadian government’s use of security certificates, a tool that allows for indefinite detention without charges, based on evidence not revealed to the accused or their lawyers.
Over the last decade, this rare and highly controversial device has been used to detain five Muslim men for nearly 30 years combined. To date, none have been charged with a crime or seen the evidence against them. Through the experience of the detainees and their families, the film raises poignant questions about the balance between security and liberty.
CROSS CANADA TOUR
After an extremely successful festival run, which saw them capture the 2014 Magnus Isacsson Award, as well as a jury nod in the Emerging Filmmaker category at Hot Docs, the team behind The Secret Trial 5 is embarking on a cross-country screening tour. The timing of this tour could not be better, as the debate on the balance between human rights and national security is currently underway in Ottawa.
With an aim to inform the debate around Bill C-51, and to ensure the potential human impact of its measures remains a key part of the dialogue, the filmmakers will engage in discussions and Q&A after every screening. As the film travels from the East to West coast, they hope to generate
a wave of dialogue in communities across Canada, as well as online.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Sunday March 22 – Winnipeg
Bandwidth Theatre (585 Ellice Ave.) – Screenings at 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Tuesday March 24 – Surrey
KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (12666 72 Ave) Screening at 7:00 pm
Wednesday March 25 – Vancouver
Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour St) Screening at 6:30 pm
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