The One World International Human Rights Film Festival has always been a beacon of activism and awareness regarding global injustices, but this year, it narrows its lens to reflect unsettling realities within the United States. Beginning March 12, 2025, it will showcase films highlighting the impact of Trump-era policies on vulnerable populations, including Ukrainians, Palestinians, American women, and transgender individuals. Festival director Ondřej Kamenický articulates this mission, stating, “The One World festival has always sought to highlight urgent human rights issues, and this year, the U.S. stands at a critical juncture.”
The festival’s films reveal an America that is perhaps not the democracy it professes to be, but one embroiled in ideological conflict and stark disparities affecting numerous communities. Featured films like “The White House Effect” examine climate policies and their political ramifications, while documentaries such as “Night is Not Eternal” explore the ideological clashes between activists and filmmakers amidst the complex American landscape.
Films like “Separated” expose grim realities, portraying the consequences of inhumane immigration policies during the Trump administration, particularly child separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. Similarly, “Zurawski v Texas” follows Amanda Zurawski’s heartbreaking struggle against Texas’s stringent anti-abortion legislation, confronting the dire impacts of restrictive reproductive rights.
Diving deeper into controversial matters, “Stone Mountain” examines the heated debates surrounding Georgia’s Confederate monument and its implications on America’s historical memory and racism. The festival additionally addresses international issues, showcasing potent films like “Memories Full of Ghosts,” shedding light on the devastation in Syria, with its opening scheduled for March 12 at Prague Crossroads.
“Mr. Nobody Against Putin” and “Can’t Feel Nothing” offer gripping perspectives on life under war and the toxic influence of social media, respectively. Among many other notable entries, 2025’s festival will also highlight a slate of Slovak films tackling pressing political issues, including the profile of President Zuzana Čaputová in “Ms. President.” This year, the festival extends its reach across 57 cities in the Czech Republic, with screenings at venues such as Aero Cinemas and Lucerna.
The festival runs from March 12 to April 27, and for those unable to attend, a selection of films will become available online post-festival.
The One World International Human Rights Film Festival, starting March 12, 2025, focuses on human rights issues in Trump-era America, showcasing films addressing topics like immigration, reproductive rights, and racial narratives. Key films include “The White House Effect,” “Night is Not Eternal,” and “Separated,” while also presenting international efforts related to Syrian devastation. The festival runs until April 27 across 57 cities in the Czech Republic, with many films accessible online post-event.
The One World International Human Rights Film Festival promises to be a pivotal platform this year, highlighting urgent American human rights concerns alongside global issues. With an ambitious lineup showcasing profound documentaries and narratives, attendees will gain critical insights into the impacts of political actions on vulnerable populations. By presenting these essential stories, the festival not only encourages reflection but also fuels continued activism in the face of injustice.
Original Source: www.expats.cz
