Category Archives: News

Michael and Marty at Media That Matters in DC

Media That Matters 2012

This year’s theme, “Change for Good,” features conversations about how independent social change filmmakers can execute integrated campaigns that are strategic, action-oriented, and have enduring impact.

10:15am First Talk

Thinking Big:
Find out about strategies from media makers who are targeting wide-scale change with practical actions. Your social campaign can be scalable and replicable; don’t be afraid to think big.

Moderator: Pat Aufderheide, Director, Center for Social Media

Michael Collins & Marty Syjuco
Give Up Tomorrow: Thanks in part to the making of the film and the media attention it encouraged, the death penalty was abolished in the Philippines. Now that the film is finished, Michael and Marty are embarking on a worldwide campaign with Amnesty International and a whole host of partners to continue abolishing the death penalty, demand fair trials, reform penal systems, obtain justice for Paco and for everyone.

More Informations

A note from Sarah de Mas about the case and the FREE PACO NOW campaign

Paco’s case was effectively closed in 2005 with the Philippine Supreme Court’s final decision to uphold Paco’s conviction. However, a political decision taken by Philippine President Macapagal Arroyo in 2006 repealed the death penalty and Paco’s death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment.

With Paco’s transfer to Spain, the Philippines retains the power to overturn his conviction, but Spain becomes responsible for the enforcement of his sentence. This means that Spain has the power to determine whether Paco should be eligible for life in an open prison or even out on parole. However, Paco remains behind bars.

When the courts of democratic nations disregard the evidence before them, and willfully neglect their duty of care to the individual and to justice as a whole, then it is time to call on the help of elected members of government to intervene.

Please use the website FreePacoNow.com to call on your elected representatives in the European Parliament and the President of Spain. The more people call for justice, the sooner Paco will be free!

Sarah de Mas was formerly Deputy Director of Fair Trials Abroad, and Chairman of the European Criminal Lawyers Advisory Board. She now works as international expert on access to justice.

Yoko Ono says “FREE PACO”!

“It is one of the must sees. The strong title matches the film made with passion and love for justice.” Yoko

Yoko Ono saw the film in April and has chosen Paco’s cause among the select that she champions. On her Imagine Peace blog, she is featuring information about the film and the case, and she has a FREE PACO icon that is permanently displayed!

Give Up Tomorrow wins Best Activism in a Documentary at Traverse City Film Festival

NOW THEN Magazine – Film Review

Give Up Tomoorrow at Sheffield Doc/Fest

Sheffield Doc/Fest screening  –  June 11, 2011

Huffington Post Mentions Give Up Tomorrow

“TAA was the first of any market, we didn’t have any grants at that point, and it was where it all began for us. It was were all the dominos started falling.”

Huffington Post contributor E. Nina Rothe of Bespoke Magazine discusses the Tribeca All Access Program and the market for documentary funding.

Hot Docs!

We are very proud to have been invited to Hot Docs in Toronto for our International Premiere. We will be have two screenings on Wed, May 4 and Friday, May 6.

Tickets Available Now (AmEx only)

April 12 is the first day to buy tickets. They can only be purchased using American Expess. Other forms of payment will be accepted starting April 18.

IndieGoGo Campaign Has Launched

We have just launched an IndieGoGo Campaign to raise the final funds needed to get to the finish line and bring Paco’s incredible story to the world. Money raised will be used to get us through post production and build the outreach and engagement campaign.

Join our campaign and be part of the movement to FREE PACO NOW!