About the Film’s Funders and Supporters

Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law was made possible through the generous support of organizations and individuals committed to human rights, press freedom, and the rule of law. The documentary was produced independently and funded through grants from some of the world’s most respected institutions in the fields of peacebuilding, international law, and journalism.

Major Institutional Funders

  • United States Institute of Peace (USIP) — An independent, nonpartisan federal institution dedicated to preventing and resolving violent conflict internationally. USIP provided a major grant supporting the production of the film.
  • International Bar Association (IBA) — The world’s leading international organization of legal practitioners, bar associations, and law societies. The IBA also funded the production of an abbreviated 30-minute educational version of the film.
  • The Guardian’s Scott Trust Foundation — The foundation that owns The Guardian newspaper and supports independent journalism and media freedom globally.
  • Bertha BritDoc Foundation — A foundation dedicated to supporting documentary films that address social justice issues and inspire change.
  • Charisma Fund / Lucy R. Sprague Memorial — A supporting fund that contributes to documentary films and educational media on issues of justice and human rights.

Individual Donors

The film was also made possible through many individual donations from people who believe in the importance of the rule of law, press freedom, and the role of courageous lawyers in protecting both. The producers are grateful to every contributor who helped bring this story to screen.

Why Funding Matters for Documentaries Like This

Independent documentaries addressing human rights and rule-of-law issues face a difficult funding environment. Commercial distribution rarely covers production costs for films focused on legal institutions in developing countries, no matter how significant the subject. The support of mission-driven funders allows filmmakers like Lorie Conway to create work that would otherwise go unmade — and to reach the educators, lawyers, and advocates who need it most.

Learn more about the film on the Rule of Law Film Project homepage, or read about Beatrice Mtetwa and how the film came to be made.