Full of powerful cinematic tales of injustice and the unique struggles of people around the world, the ‘This Human World’ human rights film festival in 2022 should not be missed.
With so much good stuff, it was hard to narrow it down, but here are 10 documentaries we recommend you definitely grab tickets for – they will completely change your perspective.
Anhell69
When: WED, December 7, 8:30pm, OV with Englis subtitles
Where: Schikaneder
Film described in a few words: A documentary about the queer film scene in the Columbian city, Medellín, which talks about young talents dying from an overdose or by suicide. A film that offers an intimate look into this community that is marked by tragedy, despair and no hope for the future.
As I Was Looking Above, I Could See Myself Underneath
When: SA, December 10, 6pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Top Kino
Film described in a few words: A film about seven LGBTQIA+ people living in Kosovo, from various backgrounds and from different generations, who are constantly looking for a safe space. It shows the significance of having hopes and dreams, what it’s like to experience loss and defeat and the meaning of home.
Dead Sea Guardians
When: SUN, December 4, 8:30pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Schikaneder
Film described in a few words: In order to raise awareness of the Dead Sea threatening to dry up, a group of men from Palestine, Israel, and Jordan (all neighbours of the Dead Sea) want to swim across it. It is a personal and political battle, but above all, they’re fighting for our shared environment.
El Arena
When: SA, December 10, 6pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Schikaneder
Film described in a few words: ‘El Arena’ is a meeting spot for rap battles among a group of friends in Beirut, Lebanon. It’s a spot where they are able to express themselves freely, compete artistically, transcend boundaries and call out societal issues. The documentary is set against the backdrop of the current situation in Lebanon and comes to a climax with the devastating explosion in Beirut in 2020.
Into My Name
When: MON, December 5, 6pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Schikaneder
Film described in a few words: A documentary telling the story of four friends who are trans men searching for their own identity. This is an account of their struggles and choices, their first love and their attempts to fit in. An essential contemporary issue is brought to life in a very personal way, and it shows why being able to trust someone is so crucial.
Neighbours
When: SA, December 10, 8:30pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Top Kino
Film described in a few words: In this coming-of-age comedy in a Kurdish-Syrian border village, a young boy’s friendship with his beloved Jewish neighbours is put to the test when a fanatical teacher from Aleppo shows up to ’arab-ize’ the village.
Olga
When: SA, December 3, 8:30pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Top Kino
Film described in a few words: 15-year-old Ukrainian gymnast Olga is exiled in Switzerland. With the Euromaidan uprisings in late 2013, staying in her home country became too dangerous. This coming-of-age film accompanies the girl during her dense daily training routine, demonstrating that the teenage girl uses gymnastics as an outlet and escape from a crushing reality.
One Thousand Women
When: FRI, December 9, 6pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Schikaneder
Film described in a few words: Iranian women who desire to participate in their beloved sport, wrestling, face unique difficulties residing in a culture that is dominated by religious patriarchy. However, more than a thousand young women have achieved success in this discipline on a global scale since Iran is compelled by the World Sports Federation to allow women to wrestle. When some unfavourable news produces an international issue for Iranian wrestling and they lose their most important sponsor, these brave female athletes, wearing Islamic gear as required by the authorities, fight for their rights.
Slow Fashion
When: WED, December 7, 8:45pm in OV with English subtitles
Where: Top Kino
Film described in a few words: A film addressing cultural appropriation of indigenous patterns and the commercialisation of culture through global fashion brands. The director, Eme Eidson, sheds light on the struggles faced by Mexican weavers, Laotian and Indian block printers, and Mexican textile designers whose expensive collections feature their heirloom textile patterns. How can designers respect different cultures and give back to artisans when they are also stealing from them?
Souls of a River
When: FRI, December 9, 8:30pmin OV with English subtitles
Where: Top Kino
Film described in a few words: The director Chris Krikellis takes us to Greece, his homeland. He talks to a pathologist who analyses the bodies of refugees who drowned attempting to cross the river Evros in the border towns along the river which separates Turkey and Greece. Inquiries about war, home, belonging and humanity are raised as people’s fates are intricately woven through waving fields, foaming water and deserted villages.
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