The 9th annual Human Rights Film Festival is an extremely timely and massive Film and Arts Festival for everyone who wants to “give a sh*t about the world”. All of these films are based around current Human Rights crises, including Indigenous Rights, Political activism, Disease and pandemic, Accessibility rights, Transphobia, and much more.

It’s a week-long online presentation of social justice focused art, film, workshops, and more, in celebration of International Human Rights Month in December, ending on International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10 with a powerful keynote address by Black Lives Matter core team member Syrus Marcus Ware. This groundbreaking film festival is free of charge this year, and centres around local BIPOC youth with plenty of online artistic activities for youth to enjoy for free as well.

Headlining this year’s HRFF+ film edition is the Canadian premiere of OBJECTOR. Directed by Molly Stuart, OBJECTOR is a thought-provoking film offering a unique window into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the perspective of a young woman who seeks truth and takes a stand for justice. The lineup will also feature the Canadian premiere of MADDY THE MODEL. Directed by Jane Magnusson, ‘Maddy’ is the first professional supermodel with Down syndrome. With her mother, Rosanne, as her constant supporter, she travels the globe, setting an example of inclusion and diversity in the fashion world through her work.

HRFF+ will also be presenting the Canadian premiere of INDIANARA, directed by Aude Chevalier-Beaumel and Marcelo Barbosa, to be screened on December 6th, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.  The film opens with a scene showing the burial—in an unmarked grave—of another victim of transphobia that has claimed numerous victims in Brazil. Indianara is a controversial and radical activist fighting for the physical survival of an excluded LGBTQ+ community at a time when Brazil has taken a turn to the extreme right.

HRFF+ will also be presenting several activities to showcase Black youth, including an arts showcase, JAYU’S iAM EXHIBITION, a holding space for young Black voices from across Ontario to showcase incredible artistic talents. All of the work featured will highlight positive representations of Blackness. During this unique residency, 10-12 aspiring young artists received one-on-one mentorship and curated artwork for an online exhibition.

HRFF+ will also be presenting JAYU STAGES, a multidisciplinary showcase highlighting artists and what human rights means to them and their craft, as well as the first ever JAYU POETRY SLAM, where the hottest poetic talent from across Canada will battle head-to-head in an exciting live event. CONSCIENCE POINT is about an Indigenous reservation in the Hamptons being taken over by the rich.

Click here for a full schedule of screening times, and ticket info.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.