Attention filmmakers! Do you have a short or feature-length documentary or fiction film, completed in 2026 or 2027, that addresses human rights issues? We warmly invite you to submit your work for the 2027 edition of the Movies that Matter Festival.

The festival will take place from 19 to 27 March in The Hague. The submission deadline is 1 November 2026.

When young Alec Shimkin uncovers a large-scale American war crime in Vietnam, his revelation is silenced through self-censorship. Who decides which stories survive? An investigation into truth, power, and the price of exposing the truth.

The documentary Soldier’s Bones (MtMF26) will be released in cinemas from 25 June. Thanks to distributor Cinema Delicatessen, we are giving away free tickets! Want a chance to win? Submit your entry by 25 June via the button below.

In the lead-up to Keti Koti, The Hague venues De Regentes and Theater Dakota, together with Movies that Matter, present a special programme on Thursday, 25 June. Please note, both programmes are in Dutch.

At Theater Dakota, the programme features Bagasi – What We Carry, followed by a Q&A with director Emma Lesuis, live music, and Surinamese refreshments.

At De Regentes, the films Inheemse Surinamers in Rotterdam and Monikondee will be screened, along with a discussion of the book Het vervlechten van hoop by Ferdy Karto.

On Thursday, 2 July, we are partnering with Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam to present a special Pakhuis Kino screening of the documentary Cutting Through Rocks. During this year’s festival, the film received both the Activist Lens Award and the Audience Award. After the screening, Eric Seleky will be joined in conversation by journalist and podcast creator Mina Etemad. The film will be screened with English subtitles, the after talk will be in Dutch.

As the first female member of the municipal council in her small Iranian village, Sara Shahverdi is determined to challenge deeply rooted patriarchal traditions. She teaches teenage girls how to ride motorcycles, encourages them to continue their education, and works to prevent child marriages. But Sara’s fearless and outspoken activism has earned her many enemies—especially among the men in her community.