Oxfam Scotland and arms-control campaigner David Grimason will launch a week of action backing the Control Arms campaign. The launch will be marked by a panel debate and the screening of the film 'Ezra', which tells the story of a child soldier in Sierra Leone. The screening is part of the Take One: Action! Film Festival at the Edinburgh Filmhouse.

David Grimason who has campaigned for tighter controls on the arms trade since his 2 year old son Alistair was shot dead in a Turkish café in July 2003, will speak about his experiences and backing for the Control Arms campaign, which is seeking an international Arms Trade Treaty.

The event is one of over sixty Control Arms events happening around the world and comes just weeks before a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly which will consider the next step in agreeing a treaty. In 2006, 153 governments voted to work to develop a treaty that would ensure weapons aren't exported to regimes or groups that would use them to break humanitarian law. Two years on campaigners are working to ensure that the Treaty passes the next stage of the UN process.

Speaking of his support David Grimason said,

" We know the impact that illegal arms are having on the lives of thousands of people but a fictional story such as Ezra's, dramatising the effect of war on a child's life sends a very powerful message. For me this film festival is timely as it comes at the beginning of a week of global action to deliver an Arms Trade Treaty. A film like 'Ezra' is a reminder of the human cost of the arms trade."

Eilidh Whiteford, Campaigns Manager for Oxfam Scotland commented,

" The UN General Assembly meets in New York in a few weeks time. They have started the process of putting an Arms Trade Treaty in place; however, it is crucial for them to realise that the world is watching and that the UN must put in place a strong Treaty that puts humanitarian law and human rights at its heart. The film 'Ezra' highlights how people are left vulnerable and in danger if their rights are flouted and ignored. "

Take One: Action! is a new film festival that is taking place at the Edinburgh Filmhouse between 13th-27th Sept. It is screening films and featuring individuals that are changing the world.

All the films in the festival have social justice at their heart and include popular favourites such as 'Mr. Smith goes to Washington' & 'Erin Brockovich'. Most of the films will be followed by discussions from invited guest speakers and panelists.

Simon Bateson, Take One: Action! Organiser added,

" Film is a very powerful medium. By featuring films that give people food for thought we can make them think of the wider changes that are needed to bring about social justice. What we want is for people in Scotland to engage locally on global issues, and ask what they can do to make their voices heard."

Ends.