Activists Without Borders Film Festival is an annual in-person event held in the UK, celebrating powerful documentaries and dramas that address critical issues such as human rights violations, the climate crisis, and social inequality.

The festival serves as a platform for impactful storytelling and social change, featuring curated film screenings, thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an awards ceremony honouring excellence in social filmmaking.

Each year, AWBFF attracts hundreds of submissions from filmmakers around the world. Selected films are screened during the festival, with some also showcased online and at additional in-person events throughout the year.

In addition to competitive awards, the festival presents Impact Awards and Honorary Awards, recognising outstanding contributions to socially engaged filmmaking.

Host:
Activists Without Borders is a UK-based advocacy and campaigns group dedicated to protecting human and environmental rights, empowering people to take meaningful action, and addressing injustices worldwide through education and non-violent action.

Venue:
This year's festival will take place at the The Pavilion Circle Cinema, Reading, UK on 9 -10 October 2026.

Awards & Prizes

The AWBFF recognises films through both competitive and non-competitive awards:

Non-Competitive Awards

Honorary Award for Efforts in Social Filmmaking – A tribute to filmmakers whose works deliver powerful messages despite minimal technical criteria. This award replaces the traditional honourable mention to spotlight films that drive social impact.

Social Impact Award – Presented to films with compelling narratives, significant impact, and exceptional technical quality. Winners are considered for the competitive awards.

Competitive Awards – The top film from the Social Impact Award category will be selected for one of the following competitive awards:

🏆Best Documentary Award
🏆Best Ultra Short Doc Award
🏆Best Short Documentary Award
🏆Best Short Drama Award
🏆Best Animation Award
🏆Best Experimental Film Award
🏆Best Feature Film Award

In addition to the above, the following awards may be presented if any submissions are deemed deserving:

Best Environmental Film
Best Human Rights Film
Best Political Film
Best Humanitarian Film

Rules & Terms

1. Non-English productions must include embedded English subtitles.

2. Films must be at least 720p for submission and include a short synopsis in English.

3. Submitted films must not be older than three years from the festival date.

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

5. Not all selected films will be screened at the festival. Filmmakers must pay if they wish to receive their award by post.

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

7. Submitted films should address social issues directly and go beyond mere entertainment. These issues include, but are not limited to: human rights, climate crisis, gender rights, poverty, social justice, political matters, wildlife, labour issues, peace and war, health and disability, education, cultural activism, community activism, religious and faith-based topics, artistic expression, housing and homelessness, refugee and migrant issues, consumer rights, drug policy reform, Black Lives Matter, and domestic violence.
71 Reviews
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  • What Do You Want

    Honored to receive the Honorary Award for 79 Tombstones at Activists Without Borders Film Festival. A festival with a strong commitment to activism, openness, and meaningful stories — we truly appreciate the recognition.

    April 2026
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  • Enrico Bachmann

    It was truly an honour to be selected for the Activist Without Borders Festival. The curatorial selection was thoughtful and well-structured, featuring short films that addressed urgent social, political, and human rights issues with depth and originality. The screenings created a meaningful space for reflection and dialogue, and the post-screening discussions offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, perspectives, and experiences with other engaged filmmakers. I highly recommend this festival to filmmakers who are interested in developing and sharing socially impactful projects within an international and committed community. Thank you for the inspiring experience and for fostering such an open and constructive environment.

    January 2026
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  • Juanita Nili

    Honoured to have been an honourable mentioned award winner in Social Filming. Thank you so much!

    January 2026
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  • Benjamin Turner

    It meant a lot to be recognised by the Activists Without Borders Film Festival (and to come away with an award!). Really recommend this film festival for independent filmmakers who are making social action films and are looking for a festival that engages and supports.

    January 2026
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  • Kevin McEvoy

    We had a great experience submitting to Activists Without Borders Film Festival. Communication was clear and any queries were replied to promptly. Unfortunately we were unable to attend the event but Thank You so much for the award and recognising our film. It has been such an honour to be included in a festival with such an important meaning. I hope this festival continues to grow and flourish.

    December 2025
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