Save the Date: Movies that Matter Festival 2026

Save the date: the next Movies that Matter Festival will take place from 20 to 28 March 2026 in The Hague.

📅 Add the festival to your calendar

What can you expect at our festival?

• Nine days, over 90 powerful films – from short films to feature-length, fiction and documentaries. Stories that move and inspire. Navigate easily through the programme with our thematic selections.
• For many of the films, we offer context: introductions and post-screening talks, as well as performances with dance. We engage in conversation with human rights activists, experts, people with lived experience – and you, our audience.

Additionally:

• There are eight competitions where films compete for various awards – including the Audience Award, where your vote counts. Like Activist Lens, featuring changemakers around the world, Dutch Focus, showcasing bold Dutch filmmakers, and Justice Frame, exploring injustice and impunity.
• Live music, DJ sets, a Virtual Reality programme, exhibitions, a big pub quiz and Queer Film & Party Night – it’s all part of the festival’s special events.
• Connection is key – whether it’s in the cinema or afterwards at the bar.

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