Veteran Journeys to Ancient City to Honor Grandson’s Film

Florence, Italy (PRWEB) June 15, 2005

Denis Shuttleworth was 27 when he first entered the ancient gates of Florence, Italy in 1945. As gunfire still rattled between the warring nations of Europe, this South African soldier quietly fell in love with the city of Michelangelo and Da Vinci. Now 87 years old, Shuttleworth is revisiting the city to accept an award at the Taglia Corto “Human Rights” Film Festival, on behalf of his 20-year-old grandson, Taron Lexton.

In 2004, Lexton directed a 5 minute short film, called “United,” which has since been making waves at film festivals around the world. Lexton circumnavigated the globe for the film, shooting in 14 countries, with the help of 2000 volunteers. In August 2004, it had its official world premiere inside the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The film, aimed at teaching kids about human rights, has been praised by such names as the Prince of Monaco, the Undersecretary of the United Nations, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. With 10 official selections and 3 wins under its belt, “United” is fast becoming an international sensation.

All of which makes Denis Shuttleworth a very proud grandfather.

When Lexton heard that “United” had won the Best Human Rights Video Award at the Taglia Corto Festival in Florence, he was thrilled—but quickly realized he would not be able to attend the awards ceremony, because he was shooting another film during that time.

So Lexton, a Los Angeles resident, called up his world-traveling grandfather, Shuttleworth, a Denmark resident, to see if he might be able to travel to Italy and receive the award on Lexton’s behalf.

“That was one of the easiest decisions of my life,” quips Shuttleworth with a jovial smirk.

The prestigious Taglia Corto “Human Rights” Film Festival was held in the Palazzio Vecchio in Florence. The Mayor of Florence, the Florence City Councilor of Culture, a UNESCO Dignitary, the Vice-President of Cinema Committee and other authorities participated. Alessio Della Valle is the founder and director of the prestigious festival which is co-organized by UNESCO. Maurizio del Bianco from the Scientology Celebrity Center in Florence and members of Youth for Human Rights International presented the Mayor and other dignitaries with copies of the United music video.

The film, “United,” was produced by TXL Films in coordination with Shuttleworth Leadership Society International (SLSI) for Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI). The purpose of YHRI is to teach kids about human rights.

It may be fate, or merely irony, that just two years ago Lexton himself traveled to the ancient city of Florence as a college student at Los Angeles Valley College. Just like his grandfather, he fell in love with the city and swore he would return.

“I guess I beat him to it,” says Shuttleworth. “Yet how convenient that I returned on his behalf!”

The award ceremony took place Sunday, June 12, at 4pm, inside the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

For additional information or for copies of the music video, contact Leslie Brown at TXL Films (323) 663-3898 or visit http://www.TXLFilms.com. For downloadable copies of the booklet, “What are Human Rights?”

visit http://www.youthforhumanrights.org.

Youth for Human Rights International is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to educate youth in human rights so they become valuable advocates for tolerance and peace.

Contact Information:

Mary Shuttleworth

Youth for Human Rights Int.

(323) 663-5799

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