Activists Without Borders Film Festival (AWBFF) is your gateway to a world of transformative cinema. Join us in the United Kingdom for a film experience like no other, featuring documentaries and dramas that resonate with social justice and a better future.

Our mission? Celebrate diversity in film content and perspectives. At AWBFF, we amplify voices often unheard in the industry. Engage in post-screening dialogues with filmmakers, participants, activists, and journalists, opening doors to collaboration and networking. Together, we bring vital issues to the forefront and empower change.

Join us at AWBFF, where films inspire action and connections foster impact. Together, we're rewriting the script for a more just and hopeful world where activism knows no boundaries.

Host:
The festival is hosted by Activists Without Borders (AWB), a registered non-profit organisation in England and Wales. AWB is a global movement dedicated to Empowering Voices, Defending Rights, and Creating change worldwide.

Venue:
The film screening will take place at Mini Cine Cinema, Manchester, on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, from 2 pm onwards.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Documentary (30min max)
Best One Minute Documentary (1min max)
Best Short Film (20min max)
Best Animated Film (20min max)

Submissions meeting technical and social issue criteria will be considered for official selection. Top films will be screened in the cinema during the festival and receive laurels and relevant awards after the notification date.

Rules & Terms

1. Non-English productions must include English subtitles.

2. Filmmakers accepted to and attending the festival are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and all other related expenses.

3. All submissions must adhere to the duration guidelines, submission deadlines, and other requirements set forth by the festival organisers.

4. Submitted films should address social issues directly and go beyond mere entertainment. These issues include, but are not limited to:
o Human Rights
o Climate Crisis
o Gender Rights
o Poverty
o Social Justice
o Political Matters
o Wildlife
o Labour Issues
o Peace and War
o Health and Disability
o Education
o Cultural Activism
o Community Activism
o Religious and Faith-Based Topics
o Artistic Expression
o Housing and Homelessness
o Refugee and Migrant Issues
o Consumer Rights
o Drug Policy Reform
o Black Lives Matter
o Domestic Violence
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Baazir Kaleelur Rahman

    This is an amazing festival, great organisers, very personal and communication is excellent. Highly recommend!

    March 2024
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  • Paul Sutton

    Lovely one-day festival. Wonderful theatre. Well-organized. Great location. Terrific discussants and Q&A after screening of our (abbreviated) "Straight from the Pen" prison documentary. Had a great time!

    January 2024
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  • benjamin vasquez

    Thank you from our hearts Activists Without Borders Film Festival for the official selection of our humble short film "PRIMA NOI" (Us First). We are happy, grateful, and honored to be part of your prestigious film festival.

    January 2024
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  • Andrew Jolly

    This was a lovely little festival, with a stimulating and varied selection of films. It was an honour to be selected and to participate in a panel discussion. Thank you to the organisers!

    December 2023
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  • Anja Strelec

    Very important festival and great organisation. Thank you for screening our documentary "Where have all the smiles gone"

    December 2023
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