The Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability (GSAIS or Shishu-kan) held the Shishu-kan International Seminar in the Shishu-kan Hall of Higashi Ichijokan. The event featured the well-known South African film producer and director Anant Singh, who has produced numerous awareness-raising films and has continued to convey a powerful message to society. Singh was visiting Kyoto to attend the World Forum on Sports and Culture (hosted by MEXT and the city and prefecture of Kyoto), which invited recipients of the World Economic Forum's Crystal Award.
In his lecture, titled "South Africa's History and Social Justice," Singh described the path that led him to produce the movie Mandela , based on the autobiography of the former South African President Nelson Mandela, and spoke on the social contradictions that exist in his country based on his experiences and from a historical perspective.
During the question-and-answer session, Singh also spoke to the audience about his own identity as a third-generation Indian born in South Africa, suggesting how his core ideology was formed. He pointed out that the majority of issues facing any country are issues shared by the societies of many other countries as well. It is therefore critical that we continue to pay attention to how those issues are perceived and dealt with.
The lecture served as a reminder of the late President Mandela's tremendous achievements and leadership. Also, at the same time, the image of Mr Singh, who holds firm beliefs and continues to convey his message to society, was truly inspirational to the students in the audience who are working to find solutions to global issues.
When the seminar concluded, the group retired to a different location where they could talk informally over refreshments. The students in attendance actively engaged in conversation with Mr Singh, which kept going even when the session drew to a close. In the end, Mr Singh shook hands with each member of the audience, thanked them, and took his leave.
Opening remarks by Shuichi Kawai, dean of GSAIS
Lecture on "South Africa's History and Social Justice"
Q&A session
Informal discussions held over refreshments
Students actively engaged in conversation with Mr Singh
Mr Singh shaking hands with each student
