The fourth edition of the Human Rights Film Festival, organized by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), officially commenced on December 13, 2024, in celebration of International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10. This year’s festival will run until the end of December and is set to take place in 11 cities, including Addis Ababa, Adama, Arba Minch, Assossa, Bahir Dar, Gambella, Hawassa, Jigjiga, Jimma, Mekele, and Samara.
In previous years, the festival showcased a variety of films and documentaries addressing human rights issues. This year marks a significant expansion of the festival’s scope with the introduction of photography, short literature, and painting competitions. These additions aim to broaden the artistic disciplines represented at the event and engage a wider audience in discussions about human rights.
The competition officially opened on October 11, 2024, and concluded on November 16, 2024. Participants submitted a total of 96 photographs for the photography contest themed around “the right to adequate food and water,” along with 83 paintings and 55 short literary pieces focusing on “Right to Life (Women’s Life).”
Highlighting this year’s festival is the theatrical production “Come Back,” created by the Department of Theatre Arts at Addis Ababa University. This performance aims to further enrich the festival experience by integrating live art into the celebration of human rights.
The primary goal of the annual Human Rights Film Festival is to commemorate International Human Rights Day while strengthening the connection between art and human rights advocacy. By promoting awareness of these issues through various artistic expressions, the EHRC aims to foster a culture where human rights are prioritized and respected in Ethiopia.
