New Film “Henry Dunant, Red on the Cross” Premieres in Europe

A new film about Red Cross founder Henry Dunant will have its world premiere on March 10, 2006, in Geneva, at the opening session of the International Film Festival on Human Rights. 

"Henry Dunant - Red on the Cross" relates the quest undertaken by Henry Dunant in Solferino, Italy in 1859 – a quest that led to the founding of the Red Cross Movement and the adoption of the first Geneva Convention in 1864.

This impassioned and moving film should be of broad interest. Inspired by real events, it explores the origins of the Red Cross, the initial quarrels within the Geneva Committee and Dunant's private life.  Henry Dunant was known as a passionate, headstrong, idealistic man. His vision of an international organization that would care for all the soldiers injured on their battlefields, regardless of their race, creed or religion, visit prisoners in their jails, and provide for refugees, ran counter to political and social mores of the time.  

Sole defender of his cause, Dunant won his battle by the sheer force of his unique convictions. Today the Red Cross movement is active in every corner of the world and his “blood-red cross” on a white “flag of peace” is one of the most recognized symbols of the world. Achieving the impossible, Dunant was a modern hero with a mission: to change the world.

Directed by Dominique Othenin-Girard, well known in Hollywood, Germany, Italy and France, Henry Dunant, Red on the Cross will be broadcast on various European Television networks starting in mid-March.  Details on a Canadian release will be available soon.  

For more information on the film, please visit the European Broadcasting Union website at: http://www.ebu.ch/en/television/co_production/henry_dunant.php.

For more information on the history of the Red Cross, please visit “About the Red Cross: History.”

For more information on Canadian Red Cross programs and services, please contact your local branch office.

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Media Contact:

Alice Bradbury d’Anjou
Public Affairs
Canadian Red Cross
Tel: (613) 740-1928

Posted March 10, 2006