Halted: Belmaya Fund
Donation protected
Stop Press:
Canada has refused Belmaya's visa to attend Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival to see her film screened. Her film is about the importance of education for girls. And yet she's being denied the greatest education of all, of experiencing other cultures.
How powerful would it have been for her to travel and connect with international filmmakers, see her work recognised on an international platform, have her eyes opened to a world beyond her own? There was no way she was going to jump ship; but she might have brought back a different perspective that would have informed her filmmaking.
To support Belmaya's application, I supplied a bank statement and letter of sponsorship to assure that I was fully covering her trip, along with a letter of invitation from the Film Festival. The visa dept made no attempt to contact me or Belmaya for further clarification. Like the USA and UK, Canada appears to be saying Keep Out, if you're from a 'less economically developed' country and not from the wealthy, globetrotting classes.
Grounds for refusal:
· Given economic conditions, employment prospects, considering your travel history, economic establishment and family ties, I am not satisfied that you would respect the terms of your admission as a temporary resident in Canada.
· I am not satisfied that you have sufficient funds, including income or assets, to carry out your stated purpose in going to Canada or to maintain yourself while in Canada and to effect your departure.
· travel history
Shame on Canada for this blinkered world view.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Belmaya's first film 'Educate Our Daughters' has been selected for the prestigious Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival! She's never been out of Nepal before, but now she's been invited to present her film on the international stage.
For Belmaya it is a huge deal - and a huge expense that she can't afford. She needs help for her flight, and travel and basic subsistence within Toronto.
Thank you so much!
Sue Carpenter
Director, 'I Am Belmaya'
www.belmaya.com
Canada has refused Belmaya's visa to attend Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival to see her film screened. Her film is about the importance of education for girls. And yet she's being denied the greatest education of all, of experiencing other cultures.
How powerful would it have been for her to travel and connect with international filmmakers, see her work recognised on an international platform, have her eyes opened to a world beyond her own? There was no way she was going to jump ship; but she might have brought back a different perspective that would have informed her filmmaking.
To support Belmaya's application, I supplied a bank statement and letter of sponsorship to assure that I was fully covering her trip, along with a letter of invitation from the Film Festival. The visa dept made no attempt to contact me or Belmaya for further clarification. Like the USA and UK, Canada appears to be saying Keep Out, if you're from a 'less economically developed' country and not from the wealthy, globetrotting classes.
Grounds for refusal:
· Given economic conditions, employment prospects, considering your travel history, economic establishment and family ties, I am not satisfied that you would respect the terms of your admission as a temporary resident in Canada.
· I am not satisfied that you have sufficient funds, including income or assets, to carry out your stated purpose in going to Canada or to maintain yourself while in Canada and to effect your departure.
· travel history
Shame on Canada for this blinkered world view.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Belmaya's first film 'Educate Our Daughters' has been selected for the prestigious Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival! She's never been out of Nepal before, but now she's been invited to present her film on the international stage.
For Belmaya it is a huge deal - and a huge expense that she can't afford. She needs help for her flight, and travel and basic subsistence within Toronto.
Thank you so much!
Sue Carpenter
Director, 'I Am Belmaya'
www.belmaya.com
Organizer
Sue Carpenter
Organizer
