Competition

Activist

Eight inspiring documentaries about the work of human rights activists from all over the world. Meet the activists during our festival, where they engage with the public and participate in an impact and networking programme to raise awareness of the film, expand their work and network.

Activist Outreach

With our Activist Outreach programme, we support film screenings in the activists’ home country to raise awareness of the film and their work. You can find more information and an overview of the projects we have supported here.

The Activist programme is organised in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Activists

Dalton Harris

Pushing boundaries to find his voice
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Kirill Martynov

Taming the monster through free journalism
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Mediha Alhamad

On a quest for healing and justice 
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Muhammad Rabbani

Privacy defender 
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Whanganui River

Guarded by Ned Tapa 
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Puyr Tembé

Reforesting minds
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Rachita Taneja

Telling the truth in just a few clear lines
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Wanjugu Kimathi

Seeks justice for freedom fighters
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Jury

Skoll Forum, 2023

Gita Saedi Kiely

Gita Saedi Kiely has been the Director of FilmAid, a global film project, since 2021. Beyond filmmaker trainings, screenings, and mentoring opportunities, FilmAid offers a network to support and build sustainability in the communities we serve. Before FilmAid, she spent decades producing, editing and programming documentary films, primarily with Kartemquin Films. She currently sits on the boards of ITVS and Big Sky Film Institute and is a Grants advisor for The Redford Center.

Joseph Curran

Joseph, an accomplished documentary filmmaker, boasts accolades from prestigious organisations like BIFA and IDA, shortlisted for Best Feature Documentary and Best Debut Feature. His debut, "A STORY OF BONES," funded by BFI/Doc Society and Archers Mark, premiered at Tribeca in 2022. Represented by Cinephil, "A STORY OF BONES" aired on PBS POV in 2023, winning Best Documentary at Zanzibar and Roxbury International Film Festivals. With over a decade's experience in directing, producing, and editing, Joseph delivers cinematic storytelling that captivates while maintaining human authenticity.

Hanne Küpers

Hanne Küpers works at the Multilateral Organisations and Human Rights Department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2022, where she focuses on the protection of Human Rights Defenders and Civic Space. Prior to this, she worked at the division of Sustainable Development Goals. Before joining the Ministry, Hanne worked for different civil society organisations and in investigative journalism.