AIHRFF 2025

African International Human Rights Film Festival

"Bridging Divides"

Festival Date: 8th - 10th December


Join us for the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival as we showcase powerful stories that unite communities, foster dialogue, and inspire change across the continent.

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About the Festival

Celebrating Human Rights Through Cinema

Our Mission

The 2025 Africa International Human Rights Film Festival (AIHRFF) will delve into the powerful theme of "Bridging Divides."

Rationale:

In 2025, as Africa continues to navigate a complex landscape of interconnected challenges, the need to bridge divides becomes increasingly critical. These divisions can manifest as political polarization, social fragmentation, economic inequality, cultural misunderstandings, and the lingering effects of historical injustices. This theme recognizes the urgent imperative to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration across these divides to advance human rights and build more inclusive and equitable societies.

Bridging Divides — 2025
Festival photo 2
Community screening 1
Workshop 1
Filmmaker networking 1

Objectives:

  • To showcase films that explore the root causes and consequences of various forms of division within and across African communities.
  • To celebrate stories of individuals and initiatives that actively work to bridge these divides through empathy, communication, and reconciliation.
  • To provide a platform for filmmakers, activists, policymakers, and audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue about strategies for fostering unity and overcoming fragmentation.
  • To inspire solidarity and collective action towards building bridges that promote human rights, social justice, and sustainable development across the continent.
Community Screenings 2
Workshops & Panels 2
Filmmaker Networking 2
Audience engagement
Awards / Closing

Our Theme: Bridging Divides

Fostering Unity Through Cinema

🎬 Showcase Stories

Explore films that reveal the root causes and consequences of division within African communities, from political polarization to social fragmentation.

🤝 Celebrate Unity

Highlight individuals and initiatives actively working to bridge divides through empathy, communication, and reconciliation.

💬 Foster Dialogue

Create a platform for filmmakers, activists, and policymakers to engage in meaningful conversations about unity and collaboration.

✊ Inspire Action

Build solidarity and collective action towards human rights, social justice, and sustainable development across Africa.

Festival Schedule

Mark Your Calendar

Day 1 - Opening Day

6:00 PM

Red Carpet & Registration

Welcome reception for filmmakers, guests, and media

7:30 PM

Opening Ceremony

Keynote address and festival overview

8:30 PM

Opening Film Premiere

Special screening of featured documentary

Day 2 - Documentary Focus

10:00 AM

Documentary Block 1

Short documentaries on social justice

2:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Filmmakers and activists in conversation

7:00 PM

Feature Documentary Screening

Followed by Q&A with director

Day 3 - Closing Day

12:00 PM

Animation & Experimental

Innovative storytelling formats

4:00 PM

Audience Choice Screening

Most popular film voted by attendees

7:00 PM

Awards Ceremony & Closing

Celebrating excellence in human rights filmmaking

Meet Our Team

The Visionaries Behind AIHRFF

Kehinde Adegboyega

Kehinde Adegboyega

Festival Director

Blessing Oladunjoye

Blessing Oladunjoye

Assistant Festival Director

Ife

Ife

Festival General Coordinator

Godstime Agho

Godstime Agho

Festival Technical Director

Emniesophie

Emniesophie

Operations Manager

Herve

Festival Coordinator

Naledi Khumalo

Isreal

Festival Marketing Director

Yemi

Yemi

Festival Master Director

👩‍💼

Joan

Festival Graphics Director

Toyin Abraham

Festival Film Coordinator

Joel

Joel

Festival Partnership Manager

Kizito

Kizito

Festival Panel Discussion Manager

Our Partners

Together for Human Rights

United Nations

Amnesty International

Creative Economy Practice

Witness

Goethe Institute

HateLens

Frequently Asked Questions

Rules & Terms for Submissions - 2025 Edition

Eligibility +
  1. Your film must address human rights issues and actively promote social justice.
  2. We welcome films of all genres, including documentaries, narratives, animations, and experimental works.
  3. To be eligible for the 2025 edition, your film must have been completed on or after January 1, 2023.
  4. As the submitter, you must possess all necessary rights to present the film for consideration.
Submission Process +
  1. All film submissions must be made exclusively through the FilmFreeway platform.
  2. Please ensure you provide all required information accurately, including the film's title, director's name, year of production, running time, synopsis, and any other materials requested by the festival.
  3. Films not in English must include embedded English subtitles.
Are there submission fees? +

Submission fees are processed through FilmFreeway. Early bird rates are typically available. Check our FilmFreeway page for current pricing and any waiver opportunities for filmmakers from underrepresented regions.

Deadline and Selection +
  1. The submission deadline for the 2025 festival will be announced on our website and FilmFreeway. All entries must be received by the specified date.
  2. Our dedicated selection committee will carefully review all submissions and make the final selection of films for screening.
  3. The festival's decision regarding the selection of films is final and not subject to appeal.
Rights and Permissions +
  1. By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights and permissions for its screening at the festival.
  2. You grant the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival the non-exclusive right to use excerpts, images, and trailers from your submitted film for promotional activities related to the 2025 festival.
  3. You agree to indemnify and hold the festival harmless from any claims, expenses, or losses arising from the screening of your film.
Screening and Presentation +
  1. The festival will determine the dates, times, and venues for the screening of selected films during the 2025 edition.
  2. We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the screening schedule or venue.
  3. Filmmakers of selected films will be notified in advance with their film's screening details.
Travel and Accommodation +
  1. Please note that the festival is currently unable to cover travel expenses or accommodation for filmmakers or their representatives attending the 2025 edition.
  2. If your film is selected, you will be responsible for your own travel arrangements and accommodation during the festival.
Promotion and Marketing +

The festival may utilize your film's title, director's name, and excerpts for promotional purposes, including but not limited to our official website, social media platforms, and press communications related to the 2025 festival.

Awards and Prizes +
  1. The Africa International Human Rights Film Festival may present awards and prizes in various categories for the 2025 edition. The specific categories and prizes will be determined and announced by the festival organizers.
  2. The decisions of any jury or panel of judges will be final.
Withdrawal of Submission +

Should you wish to withdraw your film after submission, you must notify the festival in writing before the official selection announcement for the 2025 edition.

Acceptance of Terms +

By submitting your film for the 2025 edition, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions