Call for Artists: Human Rights Film Festival

The Human Rights Are Universal Festival is inviting submissions for our annual Human Rights Film Festival, a platform showcasing compelling films that explore human rights themes, challenges, and triumphs from around the world.

We seek thought-provoking films that illuminate human rights issues, inspire dialogue, and promote greater awareness and understanding. Selected films will be screened during our festival in November 2025 and may be included in our traveling film program that visits communities throughout East Africa.

Eligibility

Film Categories

• Short Films (under 30 minutes)
• Feature Films (30+ minutes)
• Documentaries
• Animated Films
• Student Films

Submission Guidelines

• Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023
• Films must address themes related to human rights
• Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles
• Filmmakers must have the legal right to submit the film
• Films previously submitted to our festival are not eligible for resubmission unless they have been significantly revised

Selection Criteria

Films will be evaluated based on:

• Relevance to human rights themes
• Artistic merit and technical quality
• Originality and creativity
• Potential to inspire dialogue and action
• Cultural sensitivity and ethical approach to subject matter

We particularly encourage submissions from filmmakers from underrepresented communities and the Global South.

Submission Process

To submit your film for consideration, please complete the online submission form at www.hraufestival.org/film-submissions and include:

1. Film title, director(s), and production year
2. Film duration and format
3. Synopsis (maximum 200 words)
4. Director's statement (maximum 500 words)
5. Technical specifications
6. Screening history (if applicable)
7. Link to view the film (private Vimeo, YouTube link, or similar)
8. 3-5 high-resolution stills from the film
9. Director's biography and filmography

Submission Fee:

• Early Bird (until July 1, 2025): $15 USD
• Regular (July 2 - August 15, 2025): $25 USD
• Late (August 16 - August 31, 2025): $35 USD

Fee waivers are available for filmmakers from low-income countries and those facing financial hardship. To request a waiver, please email film@hraufestival.org with a brief explanation.

Final Submission Deadline: August 31, 2025

Selected filmmakers will be notified by September 30, 2025.

For questions, please contact film@hraufestival.org.