Who we are

HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL BERLIN

WHERE STORIES FIGHT BACK

The Human Rights Film Festival Berlin (HRFFB) annually presents international documentary films that place human rights and the people who defend them at the centre – both worldwide and on our doorstep. The festival aims to draw on the power of storytelling to foster solidarity, shed light on realities that all too often remain invisible, and inspire societal change.

Through its three formats – Films, Talks, and Action – the festival creates a space that goes beyond the cinematic experience: it brings together international filmmakers, activists, politicians, and audiences, fosters the exchange of ideas, and enables societal change. Each year, the festival is supported by prominent figures such as Ai Weiwei, Nadia Murad, Filippo Grandi, Luisa Neubauer, and Enissa Amani.

Human Rights Films

Each year, the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin presents around 25 carefully selected documentary films that use striking imagery and compelling storytelling to address the urgent challenges of our time – from climate justice and forgotten crises to bold visions for the future. Our films deliberately centre perspectives that are often overlooked or ignored.

Human Rights Talks

Our Human Rights Talks give audiences the opportunity to engage more deeply with the central themes of our films. In Q&As and panel discussions, viewers gain insight into the background of the issues and engage directly with filmmakers, experts, and activists. Together, we can challenge existing narratives, gain new perspectives, and make global interconnections visible.

Human Rights Action

From viewing to action – our Action format links film with social change. Together with partner organisations such as Reporters Without Borders, we show our audiences concrete ways to get involved. Through our nationwide school programme, we embed the films’ themes sustainably in educational work while simultaneously bringing them directly to policymakers in the German Parliament and to embassies worldwide. In this way, our films strengthen civil society and drive political change.

ORGANIZED BY AKTION GEGEN DEN HUNGER

The festival was launched in 2018 by Action Against Hunger to inspire people and effect change in both thinking and action. Action Against Hunger is a global humanitarian and development organisation that supports over 26 million people and operates in more than 55 countries and regions. For over 40 years, Action Against Hunger has successfully fought malnutrition, provided access to clean water and healthcare, and helped people build sustainable livelihoods. Its 8,700 staff deliver emergency aid and support long-term development. The German chapter was founded in Berlin in 2014 and will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2024.

HRFFB in Zahlen

Each year, we organise over 100 film screenings and panel discussions – from cinemas and schools to the Bundestag.

Each year, over 10,000 people experience our films and are inspired to reflect, take action, and get involved.

With a media reach of 600 million per festival year, our films have an impact far beyond the cinema.

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