Coral Vinsen

“Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai” stood out for, among other things, its demonstration of the transformative impact that the weakest members of even poor societies can sometimes have, using the limited means at their disposal in creative and committed ways. All members of the jury welcomed and were inspired by this account of the true story of Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai, who led an eventually successful struggle for, among other things, the rights of women in Africa led by African women themselves. Wangari Maathai said, ‘You raise your consciousness to a level where you know you must do the right thing.’ And so she did. She was elected to parliament and deservedly won the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Coral Vinsen
Convenor of the Human Rights Award jury at the 2008 Durban International Film Festival, Amnesty International Durban Executive member