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Film screenings at Dutch embassies worldwide

On 10 December, Human Rights Day, Movies that Matter puts human rights in the spotlight with the Embassy Film Menu. by Louisa Bergsma 10 December, 2024

On 10 December 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted. Therefore, this date has been designated by the UN as Human Rights Day. At Movies that Matter, we naturally mark this occasion in our own way by screening human rights films. In collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we organise the Embassy Film Menu each year.

This year, Dutch embassies worldwide once again received the Embassy Film Menu, which is a selection of human rights films previously shown at the Movies that Matter Festival.

Around December 10, nearly 60 embassies will screen one or more documentaries from this menu. For example, the embassies in Cuba (Havana) and Niger (Chad) will show We Are Guardians, a film about the fight against deforestation in the Amazon. The documentary I Shall Not Hate, about the mission of a Palestinian doctor seeking tolerance and forgiveness, will be screened by embassies from the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo) to Australia (Canberra). Other films available to embassies include Mediha, Nice Ladies, Our Land, Our Freedom, and Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?.

Through the screenings of these films, we aim to raise awareness of human rights and spark discussions about these issues. To this end, embassies also organise a dialogue before or after the film, addressing the themes presented. Representatives from local businesses, academia, and NGOs are invited to participate.

I Shall Not Hate

Tal Barda

A Palestinian doctor’s mission of tolerance and forgiveness is put to the ultimate test when he loses his three daughters. Meet Nobel-nominated bestselling author Izzeldin Abuelaish from Gaza, whose greatest adversary is hate itself. Deeply inspiring and more urgent than ever. Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelai...
Mediha

Hasan Oswald

A young Êzidî woman survived kidnapping and enslavement by ISIS and goes on a brave quest. For justice, for internal healing, and for her missing parents and brother. Heartbreaking and inspiring. ‘Ever since I returned from ISIS, I falter when I speak,’ Mediha Alhamad says at the beginning of t...
Nice Ladies

Mariia Ponomarova

With the recent escalation of Russia’s war on Ukraine, the seemingly unbreakable bond of a vibrant cheerleading team of 50+ year old women called "Nice Ladies" is challenged. They face impossible choices between motherland and grandmotherhood, between staying and leaving. Core team member Sveta flees with her fa...
Our Land, Our Freedom

Meena Nanji, Zippy Kimundu

Kenyan Wanjugu Kimathi has been searching for years for the body of her father: the legendary ‘Mau Mau’ leader Dedan Kimathi, who was hanged by British colonial rulers. On her mission, she meets former Mau Mau fighters and inspiring activists. Her motto: ‘Let the truth be told without fear.’ Wa...
We Are Guardians

Edivan Guajajara, Chelsea Greene, Rob Grobman

In the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, a broad cast of characters and perspectives intersect, including those of Indigenous Forest guardians, scientists and illegal loggers. Together they provide an informative and eye-catching portrait of the Amazon and the causes and harms of deforestation. The stakes are high as Mar&cc...
Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law?

Joe Piscatella

Leader of a revolution at 21. Lawmaker at 23. Most Wanted at 26. With intimate access to the leaders of Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution, Who’s Afraid of Nathan Law? chronicles one of the world’s most famous dissidents in his fight for democracy against a superpower. As a college freshman, shy Nathan L...