As one of the only film events devoted exclusively to human rights issues, the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival, begun in 1988, has built public awareness of global human rights concerns by drawing on the extraordinary power of film to communicate across borders, both physical and ideological. The Festival is presented by Human Rights Watch, the U.S.-based international organization recognized for over twenty years for timely investigations, informed policy recommendations, and the ability to generate intense pressure to confront human rights abusers and defend basic freedoms.The Bay Area screenings of the Festival are held from January 25 to 27 at PFA, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the Rafael Film Center. For further information on the complete Bay Area program, please visit the Festival website, http://www.hrw.org/iff, or call (415) 282-8760. Notes provided by the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival. Special thanks to Bruni Burres, Director; John Anderson, Associate Director; and Joanne Parsont, San Francisco Coordinator.January 26, 2001