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1905 International Human Rights Film Festival
China
The 1905 International Human Rights Film Festival was founded in Hong Kong in 2016 and expanded to Taiwan in 2018. The festival's mission is to raise awareness of human rights issues by screening impactful feature films, documentaries, and short films from across the globe. It also hosts post-screening discussions with filmmakers, human rights professionals, and activists to foster dialogue and deeper understanding.
ACT Human Rights Film Festival
United States
The ACT Human Rights Film Festival, held annually in Fort Collins, Colorado, showcases a curated selection of the finest human rights films from around the world. The festival aims to raise awareness and foster dialogue on critical global human rights issues through the powerful medium of film. By bringing together filmmakers, activists, and audiences, the festival provides a platform for films that explore topics such as social justice, inequality, freedom, and human dignity. In addition to screenings, the festival often includes discussions, panels, and community events that encourage reflection and action on human rights challenges.
Active Vista International Human Rights Film Festival
Philippines
Active Vista envisions a society that honors, protects, and values the dignity, rights, and freedom of all its people. Through showcasing stories about human conditions, it aims to raise awareness and encourage the public to break down the barriers that obstruct the pursuit of human rights and dignity.
Addis International Film Festival
Ethiopia
The Addis International Film Festival (AIFF) is an annual event founded by Initiative Africa (IA) in 2007, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The festival leverages the power of film to raise awareness about social issues and highlight the work of emerging documentary filmmakers from Ethiopia and across the African continent.
Bergen International Film Festival
Norway
BIFF is the largest film festival in Norway, both in terms of attendance and the number of films showcased, with over 61,000 admissions in 2019. Each year, the festival presents more than 150 feature films, with approximately two-thirds of them being documentaries, establishing it as one of the largest documentary festivals in the Nordic region.
Censurados Film Festival
Peru
The Censurados Film Festival is a traveling event dedicated to freedom of expression and human rights, established in 2014. Its mission is to provide a platform for films that have been censored, as well as those focusing on human rights issues such as gender identity and equality, LGBTQ+ rights, human trafficking, and the oppression of indigenous people.
Ciné Droit Libre
Burkina Faso
Ciné Droit Libre is a film festival dedicated to promoting human rights and freedom of expression. Its goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers and journalists worldwide, particularly those whose works—films addressing human rights and press freedom—face censorship or broadcasting challenges.
Ciné Droit Libre Abidjan
Côte d’Ivoire
Ciné Droit Libre is a film festival dedicated to promoting human rights and freedom of expression. Its goal is to provide a platform for filmmakers and journalists worldwide, particularly those whose works—films addressing human rights and press freedom—face censorship or broadcasting challenges.
Docudays UA International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
Ukraine
Docudays UA is Ukraine's only international human rights documentary film festival and a member of the global Human Rights Film Network. Held annually in Kyiv during the last week of March, the festival showcases powerful documentaries on human rights issues. Following the event, Docudays UA continues its impact by presenting the best films in various regions of Ukraine through its Traveling Festival.
Document Human Rights Film Festival
United Kingdom
Document is Scotland's only international human rights documentary film festival. Founded in 2003, the festival is set to present its 17th edition this year, showcasing impactful documentaries that focus on human rights issues.
ENTRETODOS
Brazil
ENTRETODOS is a free-entry film festival based in São Paulo, Brazil, since 2007. It is dedicated to showcasing short films, with a runtime of up to 25 minutes, that explore themes related to human rights and citizenship.
Fast Forward Human Rights Film Festival
Montenegro
The FAST FORWARD Human Rights Film Festival in Montenegro is an annual event that focuses on raising awareness about human rights through cinema. The festival showcases a diverse selection of films that address critical global human rights issues, with an emphasis on the challenges faced by marginalized communities, social justice, and freedom of expression. It provides a platform for filmmakers, activists, and audiences to engage in meaningful conversations about pressing social and political issues. The festival aims to inspire change, foster dialogue, and promote human dignity through the power of storytelling and film.
Festival Internacional de Cine por los Derechos Humanos - Colombia
Colombia
Since 2013, the International Film Festival for Human Rights - Colombia has provided audiovisual programming along with a cultural and educational agenda. The festival fosters dialogue on topics such as life, reconciliation, human rights promotion and defense, and the development of ideas for peace.
Festival de Cine MÁS
Nicaragua
Founded in 2015, "Festival de Cine MÁS" was created in response to the lack of human rights discourse in schools, universities, and public spaces in the country. The festival aims to provide a platform for dialogue, reflection, and the exchange of ideas on human rights through films and discussions.
Festival de Cine y Derechos Humanos Donostia
Spain
The Festival of Human Rights Film is an important initiative within the San Sebastian, Space for the Culture of Peace project. This festival aims to raise awareness and promote dialogue on global human rights issues through the medium of film. By showcasing a selection of films that address topics such as social justice, freedom, and equality, the festival seeks to contribute to the ongoing conversation around human rights and the role of cinema in advancing these values. The event serves as a platform for both filmmakers and audiences to engage with pressing issues and to foster a culture of peace, respect, and understanding.
Festival Del Cinema Dei Diritti Umani Di Napoli
Italy
The Naples Human Rights Film Festival was founded in 2008 by the association "Cinema e Diritti" with the goal of creating a key platform for human rights discussions in Southern Europe. It aims to foster dialogue between civil societies from the Middle East, North Africa, Northern Europe, and the Americas, embracing a tradition of hospitality.
Festival du Film et Forum International sur les Droits Humains
Switzerland
The International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH), held annually in Geneva, Switzerland, is a prominent event dedicated to raising awareness about human rights issues through the medium of cinema. Founded in 2003, the festival showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world that tackle pressing social, political, and humanitarian challenges.
In addition to film screenings, the FIFDH also includes forums, discussions, and debates, bringing together filmmakers, human rights activists, and experts to engage with audiences on topics such as justice, freedom of expression, conflict, and global inequality. It provides a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, giving a voice to stories that might otherwise go unheard.
The FIFDH is unique in that it is held in proximity to international institutions like the United Nations and other human rights organizations, offering a powerful opportunity for advocacy and the promotion of dialogue between civil society, governments, and international organizations. Through its commitment to human rights, the festival fosters a deeper understanding of global struggles and contributes to positive social change.
Festival Internacional de Cine de Derechos Humanos
Argentina
The International Film Festival on Human Rights is one of the most significant events in human rights cinema. As a founding member of both the Human Rights Film Network and the Latin American and Caribbean Network for Social Cinema and Human Rights, the festival plays a key role in promoting human rights issues globally through film.
Festival Internacional de Cine de los Derechos Humanos “El séptimo ojo es tuyo”
Bolivia
PukaÑawi, meaning "red eye" in Quechua, was established on October 30, 2004, as a cultural management center that combines a study center, an audiovisual production company, and a film festival. PukaÑawi organizes the International Human Rights Film Festival "El Séptimo Ojo Es Tuyo" (FESTIMO) in Sucre, the capital of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Over its 13 editions, FESTIMO has become a significant event promoting human rights through film in the region.
FiSahara
Algeria
The annual Western Sahara International Film Festival (FiSahara) brings entertainment, culture, and hope to the Sahrawi refugees who have been living in exile for over three decades. The festival is held every year in the Sahrawi refugee camps located in southwestern Algeria, offering a unique opportunity for the refugees to engage with cinema, storytelling, and human rights issues despite their challenging circumstances. FiSahara highlights the resilience and creativity of the Sahrawi people while raising awareness about their ongoing struggle for self-determination and human rights.
Free Zone Film Festival
Serbia
The Free Zone Film Festival aims to foster important debates on global issues, particularly focusing on human rights and related topics. By showcasing films from around the world, the festival serves as a platform for exploring critical social, political, and human rights challenges. It brings together celebrated filmmakers, local experts, and diverse audiences, both local and international, to engage in discussions and raise awareness about pressing issues. Through these screenings and discussions, the festival seeks to inspire action and create a space for dialogue on human rights.
Freedom Film Festival
Malaysia
FreedomFilmFest (FFF) is Malaysia's premier international human rights documentary film festival, founded in 2003. The festival provides a vital platform for sharing powerful, untold stories from Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and around the world. It aims to amplify voices that are often marginalized or silenced, using the medium of film to raise awareness about human rights issues. Through screenings and discussions, FFF encourages dialogue on critical social and political issues, empowering individuals and communities to engage in the fight for justice and equality.
HUMAN International Documentary Film Festival
Norway
The HUMAN International Documentary Film Festival is Oslo’s largest documentary film festival and a prominent cultural event in the Norwegian capital. The festival serves as an important forum for exploring human rights and social issues, encouraging thought-provoking debates and discussions. By showcasing powerful documentaries from around the world, the festival fosters awareness and understanding of current global challenges, contributing to a broader dialogue about human rights, justice, and societal change. Through its engaging program, HUMAN aims to inspire action and reflection among audiences and participants.
Human Rights Film Festival Berlin
Germany
The Human Rights Film Festival Berlin is dedicated to showcasing powerful stories from around the world that explore critical themes of human rights, democracy, justice, freedom, and environmental protection. The festival highlights films that reflect on the socio-political status quo and examine the challenges faced by individuals and communities across the globe. Through its diverse selection of films, the festival aims to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and encourage action on pressing global issues, inspiring audiences to reflect on the role of human rights in creating a more just and sustainable world.
Human Rights Film Festival: Inconvenient Films
Lithuania
The Human Rights Film Festival “Inconvenient Films” is an annual documentary film festival established in 2007. This non-profit initiative aims to raise awareness about human rights issues globally, while also connecting these issues to those present in Lithuania. Through its carefully curated selection of documentary films, the festival seeks to foster dialogue, encourage social change, and inspire audiences to reflect on the pressing human rights challenges that affect individuals and communities worldwide. It provides a platform for filmmakers and activists to engage with the public and raise awareness on human rights, justice, and equality.
Human Screen Festival
Tunisia
The Human Screen Festival is an international film festival dedicated to human rights, held annually in Tunisia. It serves as a platform for films that address critical social issues, human rights struggles, and global challenges. The festival aims to raise awareness and encourage dialogue about the promotion and protection of human rights through the power of cinema.
By showcasing a diverse range of films, including documentaries, feature films, and short films, the festival offers a space for filmmakers, activists, and the public to engage in discussions on topics such as freedom of expression, gender equality, social justice, and peacebuilding. The Human Screen Festival plays an important role in connecting local audiences with global human rights narratives, creating opportunities for cultural exchange and fostering solidarity on issues that affect communities worldwide.
In addition to screenings, the festival typically organizes panels, workshops, and debates, bringing together filmmakers, experts, and human rights defenders to share their knowledge and experiences. The festival not only promotes human rights awareness but also empowers local communities in Tunisia and beyond to take action and contribute to positive change.
HUMANS Fest - Festival Internacional de Cine y Derechos Humanos
Spain
Humans Fest is the most important human rights film festival in Spain in terms of audience and is the largest audience film festival in its region. The festival's main event takes place annually in Valencia during the second week of February. However, the festival's activities extend throughout the year, not only in Valencia but also across the entire region. Additionally, there are international screenings, expanding its reach and impact. Humans Fest aims to raise awareness about global human rights issues through powerful films, fostering dialogue and social change within the local and international communities.
International Human Rights Film Festival in Albania
Albania
The International Human Rights Film Festival in Albania (IHRFFA) is an annual event founded in 2006 by the Academy of Film and Multimedia Marubi, in collaboration with various human rights organizations and institutions. The festival aims to raise awareness about global human rights issues through the medium of film, providing a platform for filmmakers to present stories that highlight social justice, freedom, and human dignity. It serves as an important cultural and educational event in Albania, contributing to ongoing conversations around human rights both locally and internationally.
International Social Film Festival of Catalonia
Spain
The International Social Film Festival of Catalonia in 7 points.
Karama Beirut Human Rights Film Festival
Lebanon
The Karama Beirut Human Rights Film Festival (KBHRFF) is Lebanon's first human rights film festival. It serves as an interactive platform where the general public can engage directly with civil society activists, filmmakers, producers, and artists from Lebanon, the Arab world, and internationally. The festival aims to raise awareness on human rights issues by screening films that address a wide range of social, political, and cultural topics. In addition to the screenings, the festival encourages dialogue, fostering discussions between filmmakers and audiences, and promoting human rights through cinema and the arts.
Karama Human Rights Film Festival
Jordan
The Karama Human Rights Film Festival (Karama HRFF) was established in June 2009 by the founding committee of Ma'mal 612, which consists of Sawsan Darwaza, Ehab Khatib, and Ayman Bardawil. The festival was created in response to the growing need for human rights dialogue and advocacy within the Arab region. Its primary aim is to use cinema as a tool for raising awareness, promoting discussion, and advancing the protection of human rights. The festival features films that focus on human rights, social justice, and political issues, and provides a platform for filmmakers, activists, and the public to engage in meaningful conversations about these critical topics.
Karama Yemen Human Rights Film Festival
Yemen
"Karama Yemen," the first annual festival of human rights films in Yemen, was launched by YWT (Yemen Women Trust) in 2018. The festival is held in several Yemeni governorates and aims to create a platform for dialogue on human rights issues, both within Yemen and on the global stage. By showcasing films focused on human rights, social justice, and cultural narratives, the festival serves as a window to the world while also providing insight into Yemeni culture. It fosters important discussions on human rights and social issues, offering a space for local and international filmmakers, activists, and audiences to engage in dialogue and raise awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Yemen.
Miradas Diversas - Festival Internacional de Cine de Derechos Humanos
Venezuela
Since its inception, the Festival Miradas Diversas has stood out for its unique philosophy and approach. This festival is dedicated to showcasing films that promote diversity, inclusivity, and human rights. Its focus is on highlighting marginalized voices and stories that challenge societal norms, exploring themes of social justice, cultural diversity, and equality. Through its carefully curated program, the festival aims to foster dialogue and understanding by providing a platform for films that explore diverse perspectives and raise awareness of global human rights issues. The festival's design is centered around creating an inclusive space for all audiences to engage with thought-provoking cinema and reflect on the challenges facing communities worldwide.
MOVE IT! Film Festival for Human Rights
Germany
MOVE IT! is a small but impactful film festival located in Dresden, Germany, focused on human rights themes with a particular emphasis on women's and children's rights. Organized by the NGO Akifra e.V., the festival was founded in 2004 and takes place annually during the second week of November in various locations across Dresden. MOVE IT! uses the medium of film to raise awareness of pressing social issues, shedding light on human rights violations, and sparking conversations about gender equality, children's welfare, and other related topics. The festival also serves as a platform for filmmakers to showcase works that contribute to the global dialogue on human rights and social justice.
Movies that Matter Festival
Netherlands
Movies that Matter showcases and highlights films that bring attention to human rights issues and situations where they are threatened. The foundation's main event is the annual Movies that Matter Festival, held in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice.
Muestra de Cine Internacional Memoria Verdad Justicia
Guatemala
The Muestra de Cine Internacional Memoria Verdad Justicia (International Film Festival of Memory, Truth, and Justice) was founded in 2010 amidst bomb threats and attempts to boycott it, in a country where human rights have historically been disregarded. This country, which experienced a genocide of indigenous people, is now regarded as a failed state due to the weakness of its institutions and its high levels of instability.
Muestra de Cine Social y Derechos Humanos (MUSOC)
Spain
MUSOC, the Social and Human Rights Film Exhibition, started in 2012 and has been held annually every January in various cities and towns across Asturias, Spain. The festival showcases fiction, animation, and documentary films that address global human rights issues, aiming to raise awareness of social and human experiences that advocate for justice, equality, and solidarity.
Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival
Nepal
The Human Rights Film Center is an organization dedicated to advancing human rights through film. Established by a group of media professionals and filmmakers, it focuses on promoting and safeguarding human rights in Nepal. The center sparks public discussions and advocates for changes in national policies by producing films and organizing festival screenings.
Nuremberg International Human Rights Film Festival
Germany
The NIHRFF is Germany's oldest and largest human rights film festival. With its roots in art house cinema, it serves as the premier platform for exceptional feature films, documentaries, and animated productions that focus primarily on human rights issues.
One World – International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
Czech Republic
The One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival is the largest human rights film festival globally.
One World Slovakia
Slovakia
The One World Slovakia International Documentary Film Festival, held in early November, is an inclusive hybrid event (both online and onsite). It serves as a progressive and innovative platform for the European documentary industry, showcasing films that address pressing global issues, such as climate change.
Red Carpet Human Rights Film Festival
Palestinian Territories
The Red Carpet Human Rights Film Festival in Gaza showcases short and feature films, documentaries, and animated films that highlight both local and global humanitarian issues. The inaugural edition was held in May 2015.
Seoul Human Rights Film Festival
South Korea
The Seoul Human Rights Film Festival, founded in 1996, is a non-profit organization that fosters communication and collaboration through the screening of human rights films. It believes that everyone has the right to view these films, and every human rights film deserves to be shown worldwide, as human rights are fundamental to life itself.
Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival
United States
Established in 2003, the Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival (SUHRFF) is a part of the Syracuse Symposium. It is organized by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Syracuse University Humanities Center within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Tenemos que Ver
Uruguay
The festival aims to offer the audience a high-quality selection of films focused on human rights issues.
Under our Skin International Film Festival on Human Rights & Culture
Kenya
The Under Our Skin International Film Festival on Human Rights & Culture is an annual event held in Kenya, providing a platform that fosters transformative cross-community dialogues. We are dedicated to creating spaces where individuals can engage in meaningful discussions. The festival focuses on three core themes.
Vermont International Film Festival
United States
The Vermont International Film Festival (VTIFF) is Vermont’s longest running film festival and this year marks its 29th edition.
Verzio International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
Hungary
Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival, the largest documentary film festival in Hungary, has been organized on an annual basis since 2004. It aims to promote open society, democratic values, rule-of-law, freedom of expression, political and cultural pluralism, and to expose abuse and global human rights violations through creative, quality documentaries.
WATCH DOCS Belarus Human Rights Film Festival
Belarus
WATCH DOCS Belarus is an international human rights documentary film festival that has been held regularly since 2015 in Minsk, as well as in regional cities of Belarus.
WATCH DOCS. Human Rights in Film International Film Festival
Poland
The International Film Festival WATCH DOCS. Human Rights in Film has been held annually in Warsaw in December since 2001.