Cardinal welcomes RENATE film competition

Cardinal Nichols - Image CBCEW

HE Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster has praised the work of RENATE (Religious in Europe Networking Against Trafficking and Exploitation) and endorsed their film competition and upcoming film festival which takes place at BAFTA in September.

Cardinal Nichols heads the Santa Marta Group, an alliance of international police chiefs and bishops from around the world working together with civil society in a process endorsed by Pope Francis who called it "an open wound on the body of contemporary society", to eradicate human trafficking and modern day slavery.

There are just over two weeks to enter the RENATE short film competition for 16-24 year-olds. For details see the link below.

The Cardinal said: "Human trafficking and modern slavery is an abhorrent, evil crime that can only be combatted by a concerted and collective effort. I commend the work of RENATE in their care and protection of trafficked women as they seek to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society.

This project, which invites young film-makers to use their story telling skills to contribute to the RENATE film festival, is particularly relevant in bringing this terrible crime to our attention. As Pope Francis said at the launch of the Santa Marta Group, "We need to learn to cry again" at the plight of those in slavery. For then we will know what to do. While millions of people are trafficked across the world, and this number is only increasing at this time when the COVID pandemic has made so many more people vulnerable to traffickers, it is only by hearing individual stories that our hearts are truly touched. That is why these films are so important. Bringing these stories to the RSA and BAFTA in London this September will help in increasing awareness of this human tragedy that is all around us, wherever we are.

For more information and entry details see: www.renateevents.net/film-competition