Screening and Discussion of “As Duas Casas de Xustiza” in Cambados: A Encounter with Restorative Justice
Last Friday, December 12, as part of the activities linked to International Human Rights Day, the screening of the film “As Duas Casas de Xustiza” took place in Cambados, followed by an enriching discussion. The event was jointly organized by the Cambados City Council and FIBGAR, and brought together local residents, professionals from the social and educational sectors, as well as individuals interested in reflecting on restorative justice mechanisms.
The film explores restorative justice in a deep and moving way, an approach that offers victims and offenders the opportunity to dialogue in a safe environment under the supervision of professionals and volunteers. Throughout the narrative, the encounters of Nassim, Thomas, and Issa — sentenced for violent robberies — with Grégoire, Nawelle, and Sabine, victims of the same crimes, are depicted. At the same time, young Chloé, a victim of sexual assault, must confront her own past.
The story shows how, throughout the process, participants experience a wide range of emotions: anger and hope, silence and speech, alliances and ruptures. The film demonstrates how, through rebuilding trust, it is possible to begin a path of repair not only socially but also emotionally and personally. At the end of the journey, there is a sense that, although full repair may be an ideal, every step toward understanding and reconciliation represents progress toward healing the soul.
The subsequent discussion allowed participants to reflect on the importance of these processes in contemporary society and on how restorative justice can complement traditional judicial mechanisms.
The event in Cambados was held in commemoration of International Human Rights Day, celebrated on December 10, and reflects the commitment of FIBGAR and the City Council to promoting fundamental rights and building more just societies. The initiative aimed to bring complex concepts of justice and repair closer to the public through an audiovisual and participatory experience, encouraging reflection on the importance of victims’ rights and the reintegration of those who have committed crimes.
FIBGAR expressed its gratitude to its patron, Carmen Durán Martínez, whose constant support made the organization of this activity possible. Thanks to her commitment, a day combining education, awareness, and dialogue was carried out, contributing to a broader understanding of restorative justice.
The event reaffirmed the relevance of restorative justice as a tool to promote reconciliation, empathy, and shared responsibility. Both the screening and the discussion showed that, beyond the legal dimension of crimes, it is possible to create spaces where victims and offenders can recognize each other, express emotions, and work together toward repair and the prevention of future conflicts.
The event highlighted the need to promote initiatives that integrate human rights education and restorative justice as pillars of an inclusive and respectful society. The experience in Cambados showed that, through reflection and dialogue guided by professionals, it is possible to open paths toward the reconstruction of damaged relationships and the consolidation of social trust—essential values for any community aspiring to equity and peaceful coexistence.
