Amnesty International Toronto is proud to once again present The Reel Awareness Film Festival, running this year from November 16 to 18 at Imagine Cinemas Carlton Theatre.

The volunteer led festival, now a staple in the Toronto film scene, enters its 12th year bigger and bolder than ever, and still fiercely dedicated to presenting human rights documentaries dealing with issues from all over the world.

Opening night kicks off with Warehoused, Asher Emmanuel and Vincent Vittorio's intimate, heartbreaking, and inspiring account of life in the world's largest refugee camp in Dadaab, Kenya.

From the lens of legendary documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin comes our Friday night feature, Our People Will Be Healed. It is the story of Norway House First Nation, and its innovative and inspiring journey of self-determination, decolonization, and vision.

This first-hand account of one Northern Manitoba reserve gives an unflinching account of the trauma endured by all first nations in Canada, while providing an optimistic and hopeful dream for a better tomorrow.

Saturday will provide a triple header of compelling films starting with Erdogan: Making of a Sultan from director Gilles Cayate, himself an Emmy and BAFTA winner.

In this film, Cayate seeks to tell the complex story of present day Turkey, its failed revolution, and a leader yearning to extend his power. That will be followed up with director Askold Kurov's The Trial: Russia vs. Oleg Sentsov, the story of a free spirited former professional gamer turned filmmaker, and his battle with Russian authorities over charges of terrorism following the annexation of Crimea.

The film offers an amazing fly on the wall insight into the frustrating and terrifying consequences of running afoul of Russian authorities.

The festival will conclude with director's Erling Borgen and Tom Heinemann's A Heart That Never Dies, focusing on the lives of 6 courageous human rights defenders from around the world. It serves as a fitting reminder that the struggle for human rights, though long, arduous, and all too often fraught with danger, is always worth the effort.

Films will be followed by a Q&A; with filmmakers, community activists, and human rights experts. And at the conclusion of every film, Amnesty International will be present in the lobby to provide further information about the important issues raised by the films, and the chance to make a difference through a variety of engaging actions.

The opening reception will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 16, prior to the screening of Warehoused 7:00 pm.

Further details and the festival schedule can be found at: http://www.aito.ca/reelawareness