Movies that Matter Festival

Overview

Movies that Matter is the Netherlands' most important human rights film festival. Founded in 2004 and held annually in April in The Hague -- the seat of the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and dozens of international legal and diplomatic organizations -- the festival presents films addressing human rights and social justice to audiences in the world's international law capital.

The Hague's unique identity as the home of international justice institutions gives Movies that Matter an extraordinary context. The festival's audience includes international lawyers, judges, diplomats, and NGO professionals who engage with the films' human rights subjects from positions of direct professional involvement.

The festival has developed particular strength in programming films that address international criminal justice, refugee crises, and the intersection of law and human rights -- themes that resonate directly with The Hague's institutional character.

Key Sections

• International Competition -- human rights films competing for jury prizes
• Documentary Competition -- nonfiction films addressing human rights
• Narrative Competition -- fiction films with human rights themes
• Short Film Competition -- human rights short films
• Educational Program -- screenings and discussions for schools and universities

What Filmmakers Should Know

Movies that Matter accepts open submissions. The festival's The Hague location provides access to the world's most concentrated community of international justice professionals. Films addressing international criminal justice, refugee experience, and global human rights will find uniquely expert and engaged audiences.

Major Awards

• Best Film -- jury prize
• Audience Award

Festival History

Movies that Matter was founded in 2004 and has operated as the Netherlands' primary human rights film platform.

See Also

For human rights filmmaking, see Documentary Filmmaking Guide. For IDFA Amsterdam, see IDFA Amsterdam.