NICOSIA, 27 March 2017 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and UNFICYP Head of Mission, Ms. Elizabeth Spehar, made opening remarks at a reception  to kick off of the 4th annual Women’s Film Week, held at the Goethe-Institut in Nicosia on 27 March 2017.

The theme of this year’s edition of Women’s Film Week is "biographical stories" - real stories of inspiring women, including women’s rights activists, artists, musicians, politicians, humanitarians and scientists from different countries and backgrounds that fought to make a positive impact in their own lives and across their societies. 

In her remarks, SRSG Spehar noted the importance of women’s personal stories, stating that “this Festival is also about women’s particular narratives. It allows us to revel in, empathize with, and learn from women’s stories. This is important, as women’s struggles and stories have often been hidden or disregarded in history, and in particular, their stories as protagonists in public life,” she said. 

“A number of the Festival’s films shine the spotlight on seemingly “ordinary women” who have taken on extraordinary challenges. They remind us of how powerful even seemingly “powerless” women can be if they are determined, passionate, and do not let anyone get in the way of achieving their goals,” she added.

Also speaking at the event were Ms. Mine Yucel, co-chair of the Technical Committee on Gender Equality, Ms. Tiziana Zennaro, UNDP Senior Programme Manager, Mr. Johannes Dahl, Director Goethe-Institut in Cyprus, and US Ambassador, H.E. Kathleen Doherty, who introduced the first film of the week, "Amelia".

This year’s Women’s Film Week is organized under the auspices of the Technical Committee on Gender Equality by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Goethe-Institut in Nicosia and UNFICYP. Running from 27th to 31st March with up to three daily shows at the Goethe-Institut, the week will showcase 10 films and real stories of women from around the world.