Austin is fortunate to have two amazing organizations, the Austin Human Rights Commission and the Welcome Center, that help ensure all of our community members feel welcome and are treated fairly.

This Thursday through Saturday, May 12, these organizations are sponsoring the 2nd Annual Human Rights Film Festival at the Historic Paramount Theatre.

The films featured in this year’s festival include: “Burma VJ,” “The First Grader,” “Babe” (in Spanish) and “Papers.”

“Burma VJ” is a powerful documentary that tells the story of the historical and dramatic days of September 2007 when the Buddhist monks started marching against the military regime in Burma. It was filmed by rogue video journalists who risked torture and life imprisonment to capture events happening in Burma to share with the world. For more information about this film visit burmavjmovie.com.

The next film, “The Second Grader,” takes audiences to Kenya. It is the true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford. More information about this film can be found at thefirstgrader-themovie.com.

Two great films will be offered on Saturday. The afternoon will feature the well known tale of “Babe,” a pig raised by sheepdogs who wants to learn how to herd sheep. The film will be presented in Spanish.

The evening will bring “Papers,” the story of undocumented youth and the challenges they face as they turn 18 without legal status. Additional information about this film can be found at papersthemovie.com.

All the movies presented at the festival will be at 7 p.m., except for “Babe” which will be at 2 p.m. Admission is free to all of the movies. Tickets are not needed. Everyone is simply encouraged to attend and learn more about our world.