A new documentary “The Justice Hunter" chronicles the life and work of David Matas, an internationally known lawyer in the field of human rights who has a history of tirelessly advocating on behalf of repressed minorities throughout the world. The well done documentary, written and produced by Israeli-born Winnipegger Yolanda Papini-Pollock was screened at the Berney Theatre at an event on December 17, 2024 put on by B’nai Brith Canada honouring Matas. Matas is the senior legal counsel to Bna’ Brith Canada
Much of the film deals with China’s execution of Falon Gong prisoners in order to harvest their organs and how Matas and then MP David Gilgour exposed this issue in their ground breaking book “Bloody Harvest” written in 2005 which led to international efforts to legislate against this horrible practice. The film does an admirable job of interweaving actual footage showing how the Chinese government persecuted the Falcon Gong, which adds to the richness of the documentary. An interesting fact revealed in the film is that Israelis became the prime recipients of the harvested organs of the Falon Gong. Once Israel became aware of China’s persecution of the Falcon Gong through Matas and Kilgour’s work, Israel became the first country in the world to put in legislation to make it illegal to use these organs. Other countries around the world, including Canada, followed suit. In this regard, there are very few Winnipeggers who have made such an important contribution to international human rights law as Matas has.
Matas, who was born in 1943 made opening remarks at the packed event, noting “The documentary shows, from an art exhibit, a stuffed toy pandas with stitches, manifesting visually and metaphorically organ transplant abuse in China. The art exhibit is a demonstration of the pursuit of justice by an artist. There is a dance company, Shen Yun, which though mostly performing classical Chinese dance, has one dance number which illustrates organ transplant abuse in China. That dance company shows that the pursuit of justice can come through choreography and dancing.”
Matas further stated, “The pursuit of justice is something anyone can do, each in their own way. This documentary itself is a contribution to the pursuit of justice, a contribution made by the documentary maker and her team.”
Papini Pollock’s documentary also portrays Matas’s efforts on behalf of the Uighers in China (who are Muslim) and Tamils (in Sri Lanka). Papini herself became interested in Matas’s story when producing another documentary “The Painful Truth: The Falon Gong Genocide. Professor Emeritus Maria Chueng (and JadeRose Film and TV Production). Chueng worked with Papini-Pollock on the documentary about the Chinese government’s atrocities perpetrated against the Falon Gong suggested the idea of doing a documentary about Matas.
As Chueng told the Winnipeg Jewish Review, "David Matas's lifelong dedication to global justice and his unwavering commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless have made a profound and lasting impact on humanity. His remarkable journey, though challenging, serves as an inspiring example for future generations to stand up for justice and pursue meaningful change."
Matas, has also spoken out against antisemitism, and has tirelessly advocated on behalf of Canada prosecuting Nazi war criminals living in Canada. As he noted in his remarks at the event, “Though I am a lawyer and my efforts at justice hunting have been legal, the search for justice is not necessarily and certainly not only legal work. Indeed, the law, rather than being a vehicle for justice, can be a vehicle for injustice. Before and during World War II, Nazis did not ignore the law. Rather they changed the law to further their antisemitic agenda. The law became a vehicle of oppression, an accelerator of genocide."
Matas noted that "Law can also be defective event if not oppressive, stating that Canadian law has been defective in bringing perpetrators of mass atrocities to justice, in protecting refugees and in preventing incitement to hatred."
He added, "The hunt for justice is never ending. New mass atrocities spring up long after the old ones have faded away. New techniques of mass destruction occur using new technologies which the old laws have not addressed."
The documentary also speaks to Matas’s pro-Israel advocacy . Matas noted that,”There are two things I would ask you to take away from this film. One is that the effort to promote justice is something anyone can do, each in their own way, using their own skills, interests and contacts. The other is that the effort is best done indefinitely.”
Former Minister of Justice Irwin Cotler appears in the documentary, which is narrated by Leah Ross, a former lawyer and student of Matas’s, now a music educator with the Winnipeg. Ross told the Winnipeg Jewish Review that “The Justice Hunter inspires viewers to use their own gifts and abilities to protect and fight for human rights.”
For more information about seeing the documentary, go to https://infilmproduction.com/
Papini-Pollock also has written a Justice Hunter children’s book to inspire the next generation, perfect for classrooms, libraries and family reading time. The book introduces young readers to the incredible story of David Matas, a renowned human rights lawyer and real-life hero who has dedicated his life to fighting for justice and human rights.
Through simple language and captivating illustrations, this book explores David’s work helping refugees, exposing crimes against Falun Gong practitioners, and standing up against antisemitism. It’s a powerful tale of courage, perseverance, and the impact one person can make in creating a better world.
Perfect for classrooms, libraries, and family reading time, The Justice Hunter inspires children to value fairness, stand up for others, and dream of making a difference.
The book is available in digital and hardcopy formats—order your copy today and spark meaningful conversations with the young changemakers in your life!
Order the book here:Amazon.ca
