- info@ghrd.org
- Mon-Fri: 10.00am - 06:00pm
The Hague Human Rights Film Festival 2024
The Hague Human Rights Film Festival 2024
Global Human Rights Defence (ghrd) is proud to announce the 4th edition of its annual The Hague Human Rights Film Festival, taking place on November 21, 2024. This year’s theme, “Children’s Rights,” will shine a spotlight on the myriad issues affecting children worldwide. Through a curated selection of films and documentaries, we will explore topics such as access to education and nutrition, the impacts of conflict and violence, and the fight for a sustainable future. Join us in The Hague this November to advocate for and celebrate children’s rights.
Come join us in the Hague this November to be part of children's rights and advocacy!
Festival Objectives
The primary goals of The Hague Human Rights Film Festival are to:
- Raise Awareness: Enhance global understanding of human rights issues.
- Showcase Talent: Provide a platform for filmmakers to present their work to a wider audience.
- Foster Dialogue: Encourage discussion on human rights through film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops.
- Inspire Action: Motivate engagement and activism in human rights advocacy.
- Build Community: Unite filmmakers, activists, scholars, and audiences dedicated to promoting human rights.
Festival Highlights
- Opening Speech: Hear from a young activist who will share their passionate perspective on children’s rights, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues for future generations.
- Film Screenings: Enjoy a diverse lineup of feature films, documentaries, and short films tackling various human rights topics.
- Panel Discussions: Engage with filmmakers, human rights activists, scholars, and experts to delve deeper into the themes explored in the films.
- Q&A Sessions: Participate in interactive sessions with filmmakers and film subjects, providing a chance for direct audience engagement.
- Photo Exhibition: Experience a powerful exhibition of photographs depicting children, displayed outside the cinema hall, offering another medium to connect with children’s rights issues.
Why the Hague?
The Hague, known as the city of peace and justice, is an ideal setting for this festival. Home to international courts and numerous NGOs, it amplifies our message and reaches individuals and institutions capable of enacting real change. ghrd also collaborates with schools and universities to engage young people, inspiring the next generation to champion children’s rights.
The film festival will start with an opening speech by child activist Anghelina Severin
Anghelina Severin is a dedicated child activist from Moldova, recognized for her advocacy in children’s rights and social justice. She has been nominated for the 2024 Children’s Peace Prize for her efforts in promoting education, child protection, and the welfare of marginalized children. Severin’s work has brought attention to critical issues affecting children worldwide, and she continues to be a voice for young people who lack representation.
Movie line up
Worth of A Girl: Hope and Survival of Child Brides (2020)
Director: Steven Ferri
This documentary explores the lives of child brides, highlighting their struggles, hopes, and the efforts to break free from forced marriages. It delves into the psychological, emotional, and physical challenges they face, while also spotlighting survival stories and the movements aimed at ending child marriage worldwide.
Hunger Ward (2020)
Director: Skye Fitzgerald
“Hunger Ward” focuses on the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, particularly the effects of famine on children. The documentary highlights the devastating consequences of war and conflict on children’s health, with heart-wrenching scenes from clinics where malnourished children struggle for survival. It showcases the efforts of healthcare workers who fight against overwhelming odds to save these children.
International Adoptions: A Global Scandal (2024)
Directors: Sonia Gonzalez & Christine Tournadre
This documentary investigates the darker side of international adoptions, uncovering instances of fraud, trafficking, and exploitation. It highlights the unethical practices surrounding the adoption of children from impoverished nations by wealthier families in the West. The film calls for greater transparency, regulation, and ethical standards in international adoption processes to protect vulnerable children.
Children of War (2010)
Director: Bryan Single
“Children of War” examines the brutal realities faced by children in conflict zones, with a particular focus on those recruited as child soldiers. The film documents their harrowing experiences, the process of rehabilitation, and their attempts to reintegrate into society after escaping the clutches of warlords. It offers a powerful commentary on the impact of war on young lives.
Butterfly Butterfly (2022)
Director: Len Morris
“Butterfly Butterfly” explores the question: How do we treat our children? It delves into the promises made over the last 30 years to provide children with essential rights such as food, healthcare, education, safety, clean water, and gender equality. Through the stories of child refugees and those affected by conflict, the documentary examines the progress and setbacks in fulfilling these commitments. “Butterfly Butterfly” offers a critical reflection on the global efforts to protect and uplift children, highlighting both the achievements and the ongoing challenges they face.
Watch powerful films and stand up for children’s rights—get your tickets today!
The film festival will conclude with a panel discussion highlighting the importance of children's rights
Edith Bardel
Edith Bardel is a Child Protection Officer working with the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence against Children. With a strong commitment to mainstreaming children’s rights, she plays a pivotal role in high-level advocacy in accelerating the implementation of Child Rights international and regional standards, national policies, and initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing violence against children worldwide. Bardel works closely with a wide range of stakeholders including international organizations, CSOs, religious, traditional, and community leaders, the private sector, academia, media, youth, women, and children themselves to promote child protection and ensure the safety and well-being of all children leaving no one being.
Katariina Leivo
Katariina Leivo is a dedicated child protection expert with Protect Children, an organization focused on preventing child exploitation and ensuring children’s safety. She is actively involved in advocating for children’s rights and works on initiatives that aim to protect children from abuse, trafficking, and online exploitation. Levio collaborates with policymakers, law enforcement, and educators to create safer environments for children, particularly in digital spaces. Through her work, she helps raise awareness about the dangers children face and promotes preventive measures to safeguard their well-being.
Dr. Sheila Varadan
Get your tickets now!
We hope to see you there.
Donations
Together we can make the film festival a succes.
Our Mission
At its core, the ghrd Film Festival celebrates diversity and reminds us of our shared humanity. It showcases that the true progress of a society is reflected in how it treats all its members, especially its children.
Get involved!
To inquire about partnerships and sponsorship opportunities, please email us at humanrightsfilmfestival@ghrd.org.
Join us in making a difference and advocating for children’s rights at the 2024 The Hague Human Rights Film Festival!
View our previous Film Festivals
Last year, ghrd held its third edition of its annual The Hague Human Rights Film Festival on Women’s Rights. The year before, we held the second edition of the film festival on the topic of Minority rights.
