Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi will next week be hosting an event at the Embassy Cinemas in Valletta entitled Women’s Rights in 2016: Are We There Yet?

The event will include the screening of the 2015 Lux Film Prize winner and Oscar nominee Mustang.

Directed by Deniz Gamze Ergüven, the film tells the real story of five young Turkish sisters on the challenges they face growing up in a conservative society. It is particularly relevant in the light of the current European Union negotiations with Turkey.

The film is in Turkish, with English subtitles.

A number of experts on gender issues will participate in a debate preceding the event, including Minister for Social Dialogue Helena Dalli. The discussion will be focusing on what the EU is doing for women’s rights in 2016 and beyond.

“Unfortunately, gender inequality is not only a problem in developing countries but a reality in Europe too. Mustang is a poignant film that recounts reality for women in 2016 from a different perspective than what is normally dealt with on International Women’s Day,” said Mizzi.

“At a time when women’s rights are still being debated,  and the questions as to why women still face discrimination and violence in today’s world are still being raised, this film is very pertinent and real.

“It is a highly acclaimed film in all the countries it has been shown, and was a nominee for the Academy Awards in the 2016 foreign film category. I am proud to have managed to bring it over to show it to a discerning and appreciative Maltese public.”

This event is being held at the Embassy Cinemas, Valletta, on Friday at 6pm. Entrance is free but tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis and must be collected from the complex before Friday. Bookings can be made on 2122 2225 or www.embassycomplex.com.mt.

This event is being supported by S & D – The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats of the European Parliament.