The Netherlands-based Movies That Matter human rights film festival has issued a call for the Cinema Without Borders five-day workshop and networking programme on how to organise a human rights film festival or mobile cinema project, taking place from 22–26 March 2025. The event will seek to unite new and experienced film festival professionals from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
The next edition of Movies That Matter takes place 21 – 29 March 2025 in The Hague, The Netherlands.
“Participants will gain practical knowledge and get fresh ideas and possibilities to strengthen their network. By exchanging experiences and best practices, participants are inspired and assisted to further develop their own festival. The interactive workshops (in English) will address various aspects of organising a human rights film festival, such as programming films and organising debates, fundraising, impact strategies, promotion and reaching new audiences,” the festival writes.
Movies That Matter will select a maximum of 15 qualified participants from the field of cinema and human rights, who preferably already have some experience in organising at least one socially engaged film event/festival. A relationship with a non-profit organisation is a requirement for participation. Selection is based on “motivation and experience.” Gender and regional balance of participants is also taken into consideration.
For the next edition, the festival invites participants from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East mentioned on the DAC List of ODA recipients to apply.
To apply, click here.
Take on Film & Impact
Movies That Matter is currently looking for film projects on human rights and/or social or environmental issues to participate in its Take on Film & Impact programme on 23, 24 and 25 March 2025. The deadline for submission is 20 December.
“Movies that Matter broadens perspectives by offering a stage for poignant fiction films and revealing documentaries that stir debates about human rights, sustainability and the fight against injustice,” organisers write.
“For our Industry programme, we are calling filmmakers from around the world producing or directing films and series about human rights and/or social or environmental issues that need to be urgently addressed, to submit their projects for the 2025 edition of the Movies that Matter Take on Film & Impact days.”
A selection of film projects will be chosen to take part in the programme. The teams behind the projects will attend both group and individual coaching sessions led by experienced impact producers and filmmakers in order to (further) develop their impact goals and strategies for their films. At the end of the training the teams will pitch their projects and impact strategies to potential partners.
For further information and details on how to apply click here.
