The Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies is proud to announce the Reels on Human Relations Film Festival, to be held Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Current students, from the United States, enrolled in high school and college (undergraduate and graduate) are eligible to participate in the film festival.

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DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 2022

TIME: 7:00-9:00 PM

LOCATION: Oklahoma Memorial Union - Meacham Auditorium - 900 Asp Avenue, Norman, Oklahoma

ADMISSION: Free

FESTIVAL MISSION 

Illuminate issues of social justice and sovereignty through the lenses of inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in higher education, nationally and internationally, by showcasing a compelling selection of thought-provoking films featuring unique voices and visions.

FESTIVAL OBJECTIVE

*Advance innovative cinematic works from both emerging and seasoned filmmakers that center on issues of justice and sovereignty
*Educate and initiate dialogue through cinematic excellence in matters of justice and sovereignty
*Inspire creativity, encourage introspection, and compel exploration

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL AND THE CENTER

The Reels on Human Relations Festival is housed in the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies (SWCHRS), a department of University Outreach/College of Continuing Education (CCE) at the University of Oklahoma. This festival, now in its inaugural year, was developed in alignment with the mission of the SWCHRS.

SWCHRS was established at the University of Oklahoma in 1961 with the primary mission of extending the resources of the university to communities in the southwest faced with civic conflict and controversy. The center’s first initiative was a large, annual, two-week workshop for public school personnel attempting to comply with court-mandated school-integration decisions. The center was first privately supported by agencies such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), American Jewish Committee (AJC), and others.

Now in its sixth decade, the core mission of the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies is to provide opportunities for learning, facilitated training, research and knowledge dissemination on issues of intercultural and intergroup relations as they pertain to communication, conflict management, collaboration, leadership, organizational culture, decision making, and inclusive practices.

Underlying this mission is the center’s historical value and leadership in social justice on issues of race, ethnicity, sovereign identities, migration, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and other relevant issues of human relations.