The Human Rights Watch Film Festival, now in its 32nd year, will present its second full digital edition of groundbreaking new films, available nationwide in the U.S. from May 19 through 27, 2021. The film festival will feature in-depth online discussions with filmmakers, film participants and Human Rights Watch researchers and advocates.
As the world continues to grapple with the realities of isolation amid a global pandemic, relationships with neighbors and local communities have become increasingly important. This year's films take a closer look at just how strong these bonds can be.
“This year's program resonates especially throughout this time of Covid-19, as we become increasingly aware that the advancement of human rights is deeply dependent on the health and unity of families and communities,” said John Biaggi, Director of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. “This powerful and vibrant cultural theme spotlights the crucial importance of community bonds in realizing a more just and caring society.”
The Human Rights Watch Film Festival continues to collaborate closely with its long-time cinema venue partners Film at Lincoln Center and IFC Center for the online 2021 edition of the festival. The festival plans to return to Film at Lincoln Center and IFC Center in 2022 and beyond.
The full 2021 lineup is as follows:
200 Meters, Ameen Nayfeh, Palestine/Jordan/Qatar/Italy/Sweden
A Once and Future Peace, Eric Daniel Metzgar, USA
Apart, Jennifer Redfearn, USA
Bajo Fuego (Under Siege), Sjoerd Van Grootheest, Irene Vélez-Torres, Colombia
Daughter Of A Lost Bird, Brooke Pepion Swaney, USA (Closing Night)
Forget Me Not, Olivier Bernier, USA (Opening Night)
In The Same Breath, Nanfu Wang, USA/China
The Return: Life After ISIS, Alba Sotorra Clua, Spain / UK
Tacheles – The Heart of the Matter, Jana Matthes & Andrea Schramm, Germany
Unapologetic, Ashley O'Shay, USA
Tickets will be available for sale beginning April 16. Audience members will be able to reserve and purchase individual film screening tickets by title, or a festival pass that will provide access to all 10 films. Access to films will be available to all individual ticket and festival pass holders to watch at their own pace during the film festival dates of May 19 through May 27. To purchase tickets and to access program updates, please visit https://www.hrwfilmfestivalstream.org/
Each film has a limited number of tickets available, as would be the case for in-person cinema events, and advance ticket purchase is suggested. Ticket prices are: $9 individual ticket (public), $8 individual ticket for members of Film at Lincoln Center, Human Rights Watch Film Festival and IFC Center members, or $70 for a festival pass.
Audiences also have the opportunity to join live online Q&A sessions free for every title with the filmmakers, Human Rights Watch experts and special guests. For details please visit: https://www.hrwfilmfestivalstream.org/
