Human Rights Watch Film Festival returns to the Barbican for its 25th edition and for the first time we are presenting a full digital edition of emboldening new films from around the world.

This year’s line-up reflects the festival’s ethos of championing diversity of content and perspective. In our programme, we highlight powerful and uplifting stories of those demanding justice, equality, and safety for themselves, their communities, and future generations. With a collection of films that celebrate the power of activism through mass collective movements, there’s plenty to get inspired by.

We invite you to further engage with these critical topics during our free, in-depth, live discussions taking place throughout the week with filmmakers, protagonists, Human Rights Watch researchers, and activists.

Alongside the films we’re hosting free, live Screen Talks via Zoom.

Please note there are a limited number of bookings available for each film and the festival passes.

Purchase your tickets here

Image Source: Janae ‘Unapologetic’ film. Photographer Credit: Christine Irvin

My Top Picks:

Belly of the Beast (12)

When two brave women find a pattern of illegal involuntary sterilisations in California’s women’s prison, they launch a battle against the system.

I am Samuel (15)

Samuel, a gay Kenyan man balances duty to his family with his love for his partner, Alex, in a country where their love is criminalised.

The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel (12)

“There is a new spirit that is saying 500 years of colonialism is enough. 200 years of corporate rule is enough”.

Unapologetic (12)

This is a profound and necessary story ripe for a country, and indeed a global reckoning, with racial injustice.

NB: The Festival runs from Thursday 18th to Friday 26th March 2021

How to watch

Please note this rental is only available within the UK

1. Choose the film you want to watch
2. Add to basket and proceed to purchase
3. If you already have an account, you can log in during the purchase. If not, create an account as you buy
4. Once your purchase has gone through, you can click on the button to click to ‘Watch your films’, or click on the link in your email, or go to your account
5. Your film will be available to watch from Thu 18 to Fri 26 March. Enjoy!

If you have any issues, please contact our Box Office team via tickets@barbican.org.uk between 9.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or browse our help centre.

Header Image: PHOTO OF A BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST NOV. 10, 2015 IN WASHINGTON, D.C., BY JOHNNY SILVERCLOUD USED UNDER A CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE.