How conflict across the world is reported and documented will be the topic of a major conference to be held in Derry later this month.
Marian Pearle
“Teaching Divided Histories” – taking place in the Masonic Hall on 18-19 November – will features leading voices from across the world.
Keynote speakers will include Mariane Pearle, author of “A Mighty Heart,” a work later transformed into a major Hollywood blockbuster starring Angelina Jolie.
Organised by the Nerve Centre and the British Council NI, the conference is part of an innovative three year “Teaching Divided Histories” project supported by the European Union’s PEACE III Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body, which is introducing new approaches to the study of conflict into schools throughout Ireland and internationally, to transfer knowledge and expertise between conflict affected societies.
Mariane Pearle will speak frankly about the production of “A Mighty Heart,” a film which documents the true story of the kidnap and murder of her husband, journalist Daniel Pearl, in 2002.
Also taking part will be Andrew Eaton, producer of “In This World,” and Olly Lambert, journalist and documentary maker of “Syria: Across The Lines,” adding their unique insights and experiences of documentary and film.
The event will also explore reporting in conflict zones with discussions from ex-RTÉ Chief News Correspondent Charlie Bird and BAFTA winning cameraman Mark McCauley, both of whom have reported from some of the world’s most dangerous war environments.
Emma McDermott, TDH project manager at the Nerve Centre, hopes the conference will raise some exciting debate.
She said: ‘We are delighted to have such a distinguished line-up of guests and experts coming to the city to share their experiences of conflict from across the world. The event is a perfect opportunity for budding journalists, aspiring documentary or film makers, peacemakers and educators to come along and be inspired by some of the foremost voices in their field.”
The second day of the conference will focus strongly on conflict education, encouraging new learning and inspirations from other post-conflict societies. International perspectives will be delivered by Jo Beall (British Council Director Education and Society), Megha Malhotra (Seagull Foundation, India), Mary Gannon (CDETB), Samya Abou Hamad (Head of the English Department at the Centre for Educational Research and Development) and Richard Kearney (Boston College Guestbook Project).
The event will also hear from teachers in Derry and South Africa who are directly involved in partnership work through the TDH project while more speakers will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
For further information on the conference and how you can book a place please visit the Nerve Centre website.
