Documentary screening with Movies that Matter: Silas (Liberia) in presence of film maker Anjali Nayar

Silas. No more business as usual! The Liberian environmental activist Silas Siakor puts his heart and soul into fighting for community rights and exposing corruption. Growing up during the rule of convicted war criminal Charles Taylor, Siakor saw valuable raw materials leave his country as weapons entered. In 2005, this inspired him to support the democratically-elected president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who promised change. When this change fails to come, Siakor and his colleagues at his Sustainable Development Institute use an encrypted mobile phone app to show the international community how human rights in Liberia continue to be widely violated. Meanwhile, companies that are destroying the environment still have the upper hand. Siakor's passionate fight also has a flip side, as both his family life and his health are beginning to suffer. Over the course of five years, we follow Siakor on a thrilling investigation that inspires a generation of young activists to raise their smartphones and demand change. Take a look at the trailer.

We are happy to announce that 'activist' and main actor Silas Siakor will be present as well as one of the directors Anjali Nayar.

Fred van der Kraaij, ASCL Community member and Liberia expert, will chair the Q&A.

This film Silas is part of the Movies that Matter Festival 2018, that will take place from 23-31 March in The Hague.

Directors: Anjali Nayar and Hawa Essuman
Length: 1h20
Year: 2017

Price: € 10,50 (students € 8,50). Tickets can be bought as of 8 March at Filmhuis Den Haag or at Movies that Matter.