Human Rights Film Series presents The Soloist

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OdIYUPc40M

Q&A with Sam Ward from Framework - http://www.frameworkha.org/ 

In 2005, the Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez is in pressing need for story ideas. That is when he discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a mentally ill, homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even though he only has a half-broken instrument. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the homeless of LA have a better life. However, Lopez's good intentions run headlong into the harsh realities of the strength of Ayers' personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. 

The right to an adequate standard of living, including housing, is a human right. However, homelessness is a real issue in our society. The number of people struggling to find a place to sleep every night has been increasing in the past years, in Nottingham as well as in the rest of the UK, in the wake of austerity policies.

Homeless people often feel isolated from society. This film is about friendship and really invites us to reconsider our behaviour towards them. 

The film will be introduced by Sam Ward, who works for Framework, a charity and specialist housing association dedicated to helping homeless people, preventing homelessness, and promoting opportunities for vulnerable and excluded people to change the direction of their lives. 

Join the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/772026239608144/

The Human Rights Film Series is a student-led Human Rights Law centre initiative. It shows engaging and provocative films which bring challenging human rights issues to life. The context of each film is briefly introduced by a relevant expert followed by discussion. Screenings are organised by a student committee and are free and open to all staff and students.