The Movies that Matter Festival, initially known as the Amnesty International Film Festival, is an annual international film and debate event held in The Hague. Established in 2006, the festival provides a platform for feature films and documentaries that champion human rights and advocate for a just and sustainable society. Each year, it screens over seventy films by inspired filmmakers, paired with a robust program of debates, Q&A sessions, workshops, talk shows, seminars, and masterclasses featuring filmmakers and human rights activists.
The festival hosts seven main competition programs judged by an international jury:
Other notable awards include the Audience Award, sponsored by ASN Bank, and the Education Award, highlighting the best educational films.
The Movies that Matter Foundation, launched in March 2006, extends its mission through programs like Movies that Matter On Tour, which organizes monthly film and debate sessions in Dutch cities. The foundation also develops educational initiatives and supports international festivals to broaden global perspectives on human rights.
Since 2006, the Movies that Matter Festival has established itself as a leading platform for human rights cinema. Each year, it amplifies voices from around the globe, fostering critical discussions and raising awareness about justice, sustainability, and social change.
The festival’s awards have celebrated impactful films addressing critical issues. In 2024, The Mother of All Lies by Asmae El Moudir won the Grand Jury Documentary Award, and Aurora’s Sunrise by Inna Sahakyan received the Audience Award. These accolades reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing compelling and socially relevant narratives.
In 2024, the festival achieved Oscar® Qualifying Festival status, enabling the winner of the Grand Jury Documentary Competition to qualify for the Academy Award® for Best Documentary Feature Film, starting in 2025.
Through initiatives like Movies that Matter On Tour and its international partnerships, the festival transcends borders, encouraging screenings and discussions that inspire action and foster understanding worldwide.
Movies that Matter continues to play a pivotal role in the global effort to highlight human rights issues and promote social justice through the power of cinema.
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