Human Rights Watch Film Festival

KPBS Midday Edition

Human Rights Watch Film Festival puts young, queer joy front and center

Jade Hindmon

Julianna Domingo

Listen • 14:38

Change starts here. The Human Rights Watch at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) is hosting its 14th annual Human Rights Watch Film Festival from Feb. 2 to 10, 2024. The San Diego Human Rights Watch Film Festival will feature critically acclaimed films on topics including the rights of LGBTQ+ teens, family separation, refugee rights, disability rights and the right to free and independent press in Native American tribes. Each in-person screening will be accompanied by a question-and-answer session with filmmakers and human rights leaders.

The festival will kick off on Feb. 2 with an in-person-only screening and opening night reception and celebration of queer joy with the life-affirming film, "Summer Qamp", followed by a live panel discussion with the film team and local LGBTQ+ rights advocates. "Summer Qamp" follows a group of queer youth as they attend a camp like no other: a judgment-free zone where they explore their authentic selves while building community, finding joy and making memories that will last a lifetime. Uplifting, funny and moving, this film invites audiences to experience the innocence and joy of a summer away with friends while never losing sight of the bravery of these young protagonists.

Following the opening night celebration, the festival will continue on Saturday, Feb. 3, with three San Diego film premieres, including "Bad Press," the Sundance award winner for “U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award: Freedom of Expression.” The landmark film follows the story of what happens when the elected leaders of the Muscogee Nation, the fourth largest Native American tribe, curb press freedom by giving officials the authority to edit all news stories before they reach the public, and a rogue Mvskoke Media reporter fights to expose her government’s corruption in a historic battle that will have far-reaching ramifications for Native American communities.

Next up at the festival is the California premiere of "Si Pudiera Quedarme (If I Could Stay)," a film by California-based filmmakers Florencia Krochik and Theo Rigby. The film chronicles the story of two undocumented mothers, Jeanette and Ingrid. As they face deportation and separation from their young children, they and their communities rally support to keep them safe despite the risks. A story of courage and allyship, "Si Pudiera Quedarme" is a timely look at the transformative power of communities uniting for justice.

The final film in the in-person lineup is Waad al-Kateab’s film, "We Dare to Dream." The film shares the story of athletes from Iran, Syria, South Sudan and Cameroon—all refugees who swim, run and fight their way to opportunity and safety in host nations across the world. Spanning a breadth of backgrounds, personal stories and Olympic sports, the film reveals their lives and hopes as they train to compete on the world stage, showing the fire and the drive of young people forced to leave their families, homes and countries of birth to build new lives.

We don't want the cost of a ticket to keep you from participating. Email filmticket@hrw.org for free tickets to any event.

For more information visit: ff.hrw.org

Stay Connected on Facebook / Instagram