Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed filmmakers and film enthusiasts, welcome to the Kotka Human Rights Film Festival (KHRFF), an annual celebration dedicated exclusively to shedding light on human rights issues through the powerful medium of cinema. Formerly known as the Kotka International Film Festival from 2020 to 2022, KHRFF now returns as a hybrid festival, poised to captivate audiences in the heart of Kotka, Finland, and beyond.
For four inspiring days, this festival will exclusively present films that delve into the complexities of human rights, covering a spectrum of crucial social and political topics such as democracy, justice, freedom, and environmental protection from various corners of the world.
At its core, KHRFF remains devoted to curating a selection of films that not only tackle pertinent human rights issues but also demonstrate exceptional artistic quality from diverse global perspectives. This festival serves as a platform inviting emerging and talented filmmakers to express their unique visions while honoring the profound impact of cinema on societal consciousness.
Kotka provides an outstanding setting for this cinematic journey, offering high-quality venues where the films will be showcased to an eager and engaged audience. We are thrilled to announce that the screenings will take place at the prestigious Merikeskus Vellamo in Kotka. This stunning venue, known for its architectural brilliance and maritime heritage, adds a touch of grandeur and significance to our film festival.
Merikeskus Vellamo serves as the perfect backdrop for thought-provoking films that delve into human rights and social issues. Its state-of-the-art facilities and immersive atmosphere will heighten the cinematic experience, enabling the audience to fully immerse themselves in the compelling stories presented.
The festival takes pride in inviting professionals and industry experts to evaluate the works, acknowledging outstanding achievements with well-deserved awards at its commencement.
The program we have meticulously curated encompasses a captivating mix of major international art films, thought-provoking documentaries, captivating features, poignant short films, and innovative animations. Each film is a powerful tool to convey crucial messages, foster empathy, and provoke meaningful conversations.
In line with the Kotka Human Rights Film Festival's commitment to artistic integrity, we wish to emphasize that the festival reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to the program, including scheduling, film selections, and screening venues. These changes will always prioritize the best interests of the filmmakers, the audience, and the festival as a whole.
By retaining the flexibility to make changes, KHRFF ensures a dynamic and responsive cinematic experience that caters to the evolving needs of the festival's participants and attendees. Our goal is to cultivate an environment that encourages open dialogue, artistic expression, and engagement with human rights issues while upholding the filmmakers' exceptional works.
As we embark on this meaningful journey, we kindly request your understanding and support. Any modifications will be undertaken to elevate the overall festival experience, presenting you with the most impactful and thought-provoking cinematic content. Together, let us celebrate the transformative power of film in inspiring positive change and advancing the cause of human rights worldwide.
Dear friends, prepare to be moved, enlightened, and inspired as we unite in the spirit of artistic expression, human rights advocacy, and global awareness. Welcome to the Kotka Human Rights Film Festival – where cinematic stories ignite change.
We eagerly await your presence at Merikeskus Vellamo in Kotka!
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed filmmakers and film enthusiasts, as we approach the much-anticipated conclusion of the Kotka Human Rights Film Festival (KHRFF), we are excited to share that a series of distinguished awards will be presented to honor the exceptional achievements of filmmakers who have fearlessly used their art to champion human rights causes and inspire social change.
Among these coveted awards are accolades for:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Animated Film
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
These awards serve as a testament to the power of cinema to ignite change, evoke emotions, and promote human rights around the world. Each of these categories celebrates excellence in filmmaking and the compelling storytelling that illuminates the complexities of our shared human experiences.
As we draw closer to the festival's culmination, we invite you to join us in celebrating the exceptional works of filmmakers who have contributed significantly to the global discourse on human rights and social issues. The final award winners will be announced during the festival's closing ceremony, recognizing the talent, creativity, and dedication of the artists who have shared their unique voices with us.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants for their invaluable contributions to the festival, and we look forward to honoring the outstanding filmmakers and artists who have made KHRFF an extraordinary celebration of cinema and human rights.
Stay tuned for the grand finale, where the winners will be unveiled, and together, let us continue to champion the power of storytelling to inspire positive change and foster a more compassionate and understanding world. Thank you for being a part of this transformative cinematic journey.
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December 2023
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Priit Laineste
December 2023 -
June 2022
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Vladyslav Robskyi
May 2022 -
Damian Matyasik
May 2022
