Laurie Conway's film seeks to highlight the importance of the rule of law by focusing on Lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa’s efforts in Zimbabwe. In spite of beatings by police, she has courageously defended in court those jailed by the Mugabe government—peace activists, journalists, opposition candidates, farmers that had their land confiscated, ordinary citizens that had the courage to speak up. Through interviews with Mtetwa and some of her defendants, Conway tells the story of what happens when rulers place themselves above the law and why defense of the rule of law is a crucial step in the building of a civil society. Although Mtetwa’s arena is Zimbabwe, her message and bravery are universal. Conway's production team hopes that the film will spark dialogue and change in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa, while also bringing the story of this inspiring woman to the attention of the rest of the world. 

The film will be completed by December 1st and it will be distributed before the next presidential election in Zimbabwe. Through its broadcast, international distribution, and screenings organized through partnerships with NGO’s, foundations, and educational institutions, the film will educate viewers about the importance of the law, democracy, human rights and press freedom in Zimbabwe and throughout Africa.

Since the rule of law is often presented as an abstract principle Conway is using the efforts of Beatrice Mtetwa to bring it to life. Her story and the stories of some of her key defendants will help a general audience and various communities in Africa to understand more clearly the importance of the rule of law and its central role in democracy. 

One of the audiences the fim aims to reach are the young people of Africa. Through outreach with NGO’s and foundations, Laurie Conway and her team will work to develop partnerships so that the film will be shown in classrooms and at community events for young people across the continent so students and adolescents will learn about Beatrice Mtetwa’s efforts and be inspired by her work and commitment to the rule of law.

The film has received grants from the United States Institute for Peace, the International Bar Association, the Bertha BRITDOC Journalism Foundation, and The Guardian’s Scott Trust Foundation.

Please contact Lorie Conway at [email protected] for more information about the film project. 

 

Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law, documentary film project from Lorie Conway on Vimeo.

Producer
title bar

Read More

title bar

Strengthening Equal Rights and Non-Discrimination at the World Justice Forum 2022 and Beyond

In recent years equal rights and non-discrimination protections have weakened, putting at-risk groups in danger of further erasure and marginalization. The 2022 WJP Rule of Law Index points to a rise in discrimination during the pandemic, with 70% of countries and jurisdictions having declined in equal treatment and absence of discrimination. Vulnerable groups already exposed to systemic inequality—such as the LGBTQI+ community, children with disabilities, women, and ethnic and racial minorities—were further marginalized during the crisis, and continue to be left out of solutions to “build back better.” At the World Justice Forum 2022, equal rights leaders, activists, and academics came together to discuss the increasing challenges these groups face, as well as promising solutions to address them.

Read More

How Data Drives Justice Around the World: Hear from Leaders Who Use the WJP Rule of Law Index

Every year, the WJP Rule of Law Index takes a detailed look at adherence to rule of law principles around the world. This year’s Index covers 140 countries and jurisdictions and contains data on eight factors that make up the rule of law, including fundamental rights, absence of corruption, and criminal justice.   Insights from the 2022 WJP Rule of Law Index show that adherence to rule of law fell in 61% of countries this year. Globally, this means that 4.4 billion people live in countries where rule of law has declined over the past year.   Rule of law impacts our rights, our safety, our well-being, and our access to justice. The WJP Rule of Law Index provides original data annually on people’s experiences with and perceptions of rule of law in 140 countries and jurisdictions around the world, making the Index a valuable resource for policymakers, business leaders, and advocates. 

Read More

WJP Rule of Law Index 2022 Global Press Release

WASHINGTON (Oct. 26, 2022) – For the fifth year in a row, the rule of law has declined globally, according to the 2022 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index®. The World Justice Project’s analysis of in-depth survey data in 140 countries and jurisdictions shows that adherence to the rule of law fell in 61% of countries this year.

Read More