Sunday, June 1 | Drop-in tours from 12-4pm; film screening and talkback from 5-6pm
Join Tigray PDX and OJMCHE for a special day of connection and awareness around the ongoing human rights crisis in Tigray. From 12-4pm, Tigrayan community members will offer drop-in tours of OJMCHE’s permanent exhibition, Human Rights After the Holocaust, focusing on the genocide in Tigray. From 5-6pm, there will be a screening of Woyane and post-film discussion with the director, Jonny Stern.
Woyane is an intimate and harrowing glimpse into this decade’s greatest humanitarian crisis and one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century, the hidden genocide of Tigray, Ethiopia. This 33-minute expository film follows a coalition of journalists who will stop at nothing to report the atrocities that have been inflicted upon their land and people, even if it means facing imprisonment or execution. With a powerful combination of first-hand testimonials and on-the-ground warzone footage, Woyane uncovers the brutal reality of the Tigray genocide and brings to light the lived experiences of millions of civilians who have been caught in the crossfires and, in many cases, systematically targeted.
Jonny Stern is an award-winning film director and cinematographer from New York. His creative journey has been profoundly shaped by travels to more than forty countries, where he’s drawn deep inspiration from the cultures, textures, and lived experiences that define our world.
In his films, Jonny explores pressing societal and humanitarian concerns, unearthing the often-overlooked narratives of our world. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a commitment to authenticity, Jonny’s work embodies a harmonious fusion of artistry and purpose-driven storytelling.
Jonny has directed, filmed, and produced numerous acclaimed documentaries, including Woyane, Long Haul, The Walk, Everything’s Kosher and Echoes Within. His films have screened at over 100 film festivals globally, earning more than 15 Best Documentary awards.
In the commercial world, Jonny has led campaigns for leading global brands including Disney, Rolex, Google, Amazon, Walmart, Lexus, UPS, The North Face, Vans, and Zillow. His ongoing collaboration with Rolex spans over 20 campaigns across the U.S. He also directed the New York segment of Disney’s global “Create 100” campaign — an ambitious, 100-video series celebrating a century of Disney storytelling and spotlighting creative icons like Tommy Hilfiger and Stuart Vevers.
Jonny is also the co-director, producer, and cinematographer of the feature documentary Besela (The Scar), currently in production. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Ukraine and the aftermath of conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia, the film examines the human stories that emerge from war—and the lasting impact on survivors and those who serve on the front lines of recovery.