The Movies that Matter Festival – the international film festival on human rights – is taking place this year from 22 to 30 March in The Hague and at satellite locations throughout the Netherlands. We will be showcasing more than eighty exceptional feature films, impactful documentaries, and shorts, alongside an extensive program for deeper engagement. 

On December 10, 2023, it was 75 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted. Globally, these rights are under pressure, while in the Netherlands, they may seem self-evident. Because it’s only human, right?

In the year marking the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these rights seem to be under more pressure globally than ever. The Movies that Matter Festival aims to shed light on injustices around the world through the selected films and enrichment programs, while also highlighting the individuals taking action and why they desperately need our support. 

It is with great pleasure that we invite you, along with a guest to several special film evenings at the Movies that Matter Festival 2024. Below you’ll find more information.

Would you like to attend any of these evenings? Please let us know by Monday 4 March, via the button below. Please note: the special evenings are popular, so be sure to register early. We operate on a first come, first served basis. Regular ticket sales begin on 7 March. From that day, tickets can also be bought for the three special nights.

The 16th edition of the Movies that Matter Festival will kick off on Friday, March 22nd, with an opening address by State secretary of Culture and Media Fleur Gräper-van Koolwijk and young activist Mert Kumru. The evening will be enriched with a musical performance by Karima el Fillali and Shishani, with Bahram Sadeghi as the host. 

We will announce this year’s opening film on 7 March.

Friday 22 March at 8:00 p.m., Grote Zaal, Theater aan het Spui. Doors open from 7:15 p.m. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to register for the opening.

The Dutch Movies Matter programme will highlight Dutch feature films and documentaries. Despite their diversity, they all share a focus on social injustices and human dignity.

On Monday 25 March, we will screen the documentary Als ik mijn ogen sluit: leven met de Japanse kampen by Pieter van Huystee. The film portrays the women and girls who survived internment camps during the Japanese occupation of the former Dutch East Indies between 1942-1945 and how they coped with it later in life. The internment left deep scars, many of which are still unhealed. As viewers, we delve into the survivors’ minds. There are few photos of the camps and almost no film material. However, the women and children in the camp created hundreds of drawings. 

Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, will open the evening. After the film moderator Mirthe Frese will lead a panel discussion with Pieter van Huystee amongst others.

Monday 25 March at 8:00 p.m., Grote Zaal, Theater aan het Spui

On Tuesday 26 March, the focus will be on human rights defenders and their films. The activists featured in eight films will be present and honored, alongside the directors.

The evening will begin with an opening speech by Wim Geerts, Human Rights Ambassador. Prior to the screening of the documentary Drawing a Line, presenter Simone Weimans will engage in a discussion with activist Rachita Taneja and director Pana Sama.  

Drawing a Line is a portrait of young Indian cartoonist Rachita Taneja, who counters persecution and censorship with humour and honesty. Amid an increasing government crackdown on freedom of speech, she takes on the Hindu-nationalist ideology promoted by the Modi government.

Tuesday 26 March at 8:00 p.m., Grote Zaal, Theater aan het Spui

The Camera Justitia Night on Thursday 28 March will focus on law and justice. We will screen the documentary Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat.

Jazz and decolonization are intertwined in this historical rollercoaster that rewrites the Cold War episode where musicians Abbey Lincoln and Max Roach stormed the UN Security Council to protest against the murder of Patrice Lumumba. 

Poet and spoken word artist Sydney Lowell will open the night by giving a performance with rhythmic poetry. The evening is hosted by Maral Khajeh, who will sit down with the director of the film, Johan Grimonprez, for an inspiring conversation about the film. DJ Mo Wrights will play a jazz inspired set in the foyer of Theater aan het Spui before and after the programme.

Thursday 28 March at 7:30 p.m., Grote Zaal, Theater aan het Spui

Would you like to attend any of these evenings? Please let us know by Monday 4 March, via the button below.

The Movies that Matter Festival 2024 is made possible by main partner Nationale Postcode Loterij and partners Amnesty International, ASN Bank, CFAP,  Het Cultuurfonds, Creative Europe, Fonds 1818, Fonds 21, Gemeente Den Haag, HUMAN, Janivo, Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Nederlands Filmfonds, NPO, Oak Foundation, dagblad Trouw, de Versterking, vfonds, VEVAM and VSBfonds.