After the screening of 'Beyond Right and Wrong' the panel - Bjorn Ihler. Jean Paul Samputu, Patrick Magee, Jo Berry and chaired by Simon Fanshawe
Bjorn is an activist, writer and filmmaker working against the ideology of racism, hatred and violent extremism. His work is greatly founded in his experiences as a survivor of the attack on Utøya Island in Norway on the 22/7/2011. He graduated in Theatre, Performance Design and Technology at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Bjorn’s work includes numerous articles for both national and international newspapers discussing and debating terrorist events and their backgrounds. In 2013, he participated in writing the play ‘The Events’ By David Greig, uncovering the situation of a survivor after an incident resembling the attack of terrorism that took place in Norway. Bjørn is currently producing the film ‘Rough Cut - Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity’.
Singer, songwriter, and musician from Rwanda, Jean Paul Samputu has established himself as one of the most prominent African artists on the world stage. A winner of the prestigious Kora Award (the "African Grammy") in 2003, Samputu travels the world as a cultural ambassador for Rwanda, bringing to his audiences not only traditional African singing, dancing, and drumming, but also a message of peace and reconciliation. A survivor of the genocide in Rwanda, Samputu takes us to the most positive place of humanity through his spirit and graciousness.
Dr Patrick Magee was an IRA combatant and planted a bomb at the Grand Hotel in Brighton which killed 5 people including Jo Berry’s father Sir Anthony Berry. Hewas released from prison in 1999, having served 14 years under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Whilst in prison hecompleted a PhD examining the representation of Irish Republicans in ‘Troubles’ fiction. It was important for himas part of the peace process in North of Ireland to recognise that he should now engage with former enemies and political opponents, addressing the needs and grievances of victims, helping to break down differences by explaining ourselves to the other.
Incredibly he has met Jo Berry on over 140 occasions since the first time in November 2000, addressing various audiences, attending conferences in Ireland, Britain and internationally; speaking at universities and schools, doing media work and collaborating on documentaries, talking to a wide range of people: victims, former combatants, community workers, police personnel, prisoners and prison staff.
Jo Berry has worked for over 14years to resolve conflict around the world. Sixteen years after her father was killed by an IRA bomb, Jo first met with the man responsible, Pat Magee. Her preparedness to try to understand him opened a path to empathy that continues to develop. Their unusual relationship has been told in the BBC documentary "Facing the Enemy", was featured in the film "Beyond Right and Wrong", and inspired "The Bomb", a play by Kevin Dyer.
The founder of the Charity,'Building Bridges for Peace', Jo advocates that empathy is the biggest tool we have to end conflict. She has spoken over 140 times with Pat Magee and works regularly in the UK and in areas of conflict including Lebanon, Rwanda and Israel/Palestine. She also works as a facilitator and creates safe places for people to share their experiences of conficts and looks at their own solutions.
Simon Fanshawe OBE is a writer and broadcaster. He contributes frequently to British newspapers, TV and radio. He is also now a consultant and non-executive director of public and private organisations
