Twenty years of Movies that Matter – and perhaps the edition that was needed most. Because honestly: there were moments this year when we looked at each other in the office and thought: what on earth is happening to the world? Geopolitical shifts, escalating conflicts, shrinking democracies. And yet, or perhaps because of it, you and thousands of others chose to look at a different side of the world together. From 20 to 28 March, our film and context programme showed what else is out there: humanity, courage, and the conviction that change is possible. We unite through film.

Looking back
The anniversary edition opened on Friday 20 March with a welcome from The Hague’s mayor Jan van Zanen and a harp performance by Mathilde Wauters of the Residentie Orchestra. Our opening film was American Doctor – a powerful film about three American doctors working in Gaza – preceded by a reflection from Sigrid Kaag on the current situation there, followed by a remarkable Q&A with director Poh Si Teng, producer Reem Haddad and Dr. Mark Perlmutter.

We presented more than 90 films and a wide range of in-depth programmes featuring activists, experts and filmmakers from around the world – across The Hague, from Filmhuis Den Haag and Theater aan het Spui to new venues including Flora Filmtheater and The Social Hub. 52 films had their premiere at the festival, including 10 world premieres, and ticket sales were up more than 6 percent on last year. The audience rated our festival with a 8.6 out of 10! More than 5,000 secondary and vocational students took part in our education programme in The Hague and Amsterdam. This year we also had a wonderful programme for younger audiences, with a sold-out screening of Heroes of the Galaxy.

Alongside the films, there was plenty more to experience: from the Woman, Life, Freedom exhibition and VR experiences to speed dating, a pub quiz and the now-notorious glitter bar at the Queer Night Party. And every day: music, drinks and conversation in the foyer through our Take on Tunes programme.

On Wednesday 25 March, jury prizes were awarded across 7 categories. The audience award – made possible for the first time this year by NPO – went to Cutting Through Rocks by Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni. Notably, a record number of films scored a 4 out of 5 or higher.

We closed the festival with the darkly humorous Iranian documentary Divine Comedy by Ali Asgari. Before the screening, Iranian-German violinist Azadeh Maghsoodi performed, once again in collaboration with the Residentie Orchestra.

A festival is never made alone. Our sincere thanks to lead partners Nationale Postcode Loterij, Gemeente Den Haag and NPO, and to media partners Trouw, HUMAN, de Groene Amsterdammer, OneWorld and Jean Mineur Mediavision. And of course: thank you to all our volunteers, partners and funders and to you, our wonderful audience. Together, you made it possible to celebrate this anniversary in The Hague, the city of Peace and Justice.

Several films will soon be available at NPO Doc or in cinemas. Click here for an overview. Want to see Derek vs Derekon the big screen in The Netherlands? Catch it during Moviesthat Matter On Tour in April. We look forward to welcoming you to the Movies that MatterFestival 2027 from Friday 19 to Saturday 27 March in The Hague.

Warm regards, The Movies that Matter team

P.s. If you want to support our work, check out our website how you can contribute to our mission.

The Movies that Matter Festival 2026 is being made possible by our main partners Postcode Lottery, Municipality of The Hague, and NPO Start and partners such as Creative Europe, het Cultuurfonds, Dioraphte, Fonds 1818, Fonds 21, broadcaster HUMAN, Dutch Film Fund, newspaper Trouw, Vfonds, De Versterking, VEVAM en VSBfonds.

For a full summary of our partners, click here.