Cartooning for Peace events in Cebu, Manila

There will be exhibits, live cartooning, workshops and roundtable discussions. --CONTRIBUTED

The 12th Active Vista Human Rights Festival presents “PAK Dem!: Political Cartooning for Democracy and Human Rights,” a collaboration between Cartooning for Peace (CFP), Dakila and Active Vista, supported by The French Embassy in Manila.

The events in Manila and Cebu highlight the powerful role of political cartoons in promoting press freedom and democracy, featuring the works and insights of cartoonists from the Philippines and other parts of the world.

The cartoonists from the Philippines include The Political Idiot, Albert Rodriguez, Miel, Nico Villarete, Roca, Tarantadong Kalbo, Kapitan Tambay, StephB, Cartoonist Zach, Josua, Jesie Castro, Max Santiago, and Isang Tasang Kape.

Also taking part are Marco de Angelis from Italy, L’Andalou from Algeria, Khire Alshrif from Libya, Wilcox from Australia, Zunar from Malaysia, Ann Telnaes and Kal, both from the USA, Boligán from Mexico, Chappatte from Switzerland, Plantu and Kak, who is the president of CFP, from France, Stellina from Taiwan, Thiago from Brazil, Paresh from India, Dubovsky from Ukraine, Glez from Burkina Faso, Mana Neyestani from Iran and Molina from Nicaragua.

The “PAK Dem!” exhibit opens in Manila, at Comuna in San Antonio Village, Makati on Sept. 28 and in Cebu at the Museum of Art and Culture, University of the Philippines on Oct. 1. There will be live cartooning and workshops by CFP and Dakila artists.

Curated by Cartooning for Peace and Filipino cartoonist and Dakila member Zach, the exhibit showcases 31 thought-provoking cartoons from around the world, tackling critical themes such as press freedom, freedom of expression and the battle against disinformation. The exhibit runs until Oct. 5 for Manila and Oct. 30 for Cebu.

There will also be a roundtable discussion on press freedom and human rights on Sept. 29 at the Rappler Newsroom in Pasig City and the Southwestern University Phinma Hall before the Cebu exhibition opening on Sept. 30. The roundtable discussion will bring together international cartoonists in sharing their insights on the powerful intersection of art, journalism and human rights.

These events gather cartoonists, visual artists, illustrators, journalists and the public, with the aim of raising awareness about fundamental human rights and freedom of expression through visual storytelling.

They are free and open to the public.

Register via bit.ly/PAKRTDRegistration, bit.ly/PAKRTDCebuRegistration and bit.ly/PAKWRKCebuRegistration.