Neil Innes at the Secret Policemans Opening

(Elise Thompson)

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Thursday night was the premiere of the two-week Secret Policeman's Ball Film Festival. Festivities at the Egyptian were rolicking fun, with a Q&A between Martin Lewis and "Seventh Python" Neil Innes, clips from the decades of fundraisers, and various musicians getting up to rock the house at the after-party.

The film festival's purpose is to raise awareness of Amnesty International. It is strange to watch the musicians of thirty years ago self-rightously look down their noses at South Africa and Northern Ireland in light of our latest regime. With the blood and shame of Gitmo, Abu Grab and waterboarding on our own hands, we need Amnesty International more than ever -- nationally.

Check out videos after the jump!