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Festival coverage

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

18 March – 28 February 2014

Before Snowfall
Before Snowfall

This international film festival aims to showcase the stories of activists and survivors from across the globe.

Currently in its 18th year, it brings together documentary and fiction films with the intention of galvanising those who watch them to join those taking action against injustices many face every day.

This year's London arm of the festival runs from March 18 to 28 at cinemas including the Curzon Soho, Curzon Mayfair, Barbican and Ritzy Brixton. It will open with Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements Of Belarus and close with Return To Homs.

View complete schedule

Other years (17)

Box office and information

Latest reviews

  • First To Fall
    Review preview for First To Fall

    The filmmakers succeed in showing the piecemeal nature of the revolution in Libya and its impact on the landscape.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
    Documentary showing how Hamid and Tarek leave their lives as students in Canada and travel to Libya, their homeland, to join the fight to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi.
  • Watchers Of The Sky
    Review preview for Watchers Of The Sky

    There is quite a lot of onscreen reading to be done as well as watching but the passages of Lemkin that Belzberg chooses are always well-illustrated either by the animation or archival footage.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    An exploration of genocide and attempts to criminalise it internationally.
  • The Mulberry House
    Review preview for The Mulberry House

    Ishaq's exploration of what the situation means for women in general is a strength and much more fleshed out than in similar documentaries.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3 out of 5
    After 10 years in Scotland, Sara Ishaq travels back to her childhood home of Yemen and takes her camera along.
  • An Episode In The Life Of An Iron Picker
    Review preview for An Episode In The Life Of An Iron Picker

    Drawing from real life events, Tanic's docudrama gains its power from the emotionally stirring scenario and all-round naturalistic performances, which feel infused with greater honesty given that a version of this nightmare has been played out in real lif

    Owen Van Spall · 3 out of 5
    Life becomes desperate for a scrap merchant when his pregnant wife needs medical help they can't afford.
  • Return To Homs
    Review preview for Return To Homs

    The film has been impressively edited by Anne Fabini, so that despite the inevitable rough and ready nature of some of the footage captured under fire, the end result feels taut and cohesive.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    Documentary about rebel fighters in the besieged Syrian city.
  • Dangerous Acts Starring The Unstable Elements Of Belarus
    Review preview for Dangerous Acts Starring The Unstable Elements Of Belarus

    Depicting the intellectual fire and fierce determination essential to revolution, Dangerous Acts pits the pen against the sword in an old story made fresh by the fact it's so immediate to those involved.

    Jennie Kermode · 4.5 out of 5
    Behind the scenes with the Belarus Free Theatre, an acclaimed troupe of imaginative and subversive performers who, in a country choked by censorship and repression, defy Europe's last remaining dictatorship.
  • For Those Who Can Tell No Tales
    Review preview for For Those Who Can Tell No Tales

    While there is no doubting the admirable intentions of Vercoe's idea, the end result feels far too focused on her response to what happened than on the more universal impact of the events themselves.

    Amber Wilkinson · 2.5 out of 5
    An Australian tourist finds a trip to Bosnia changes her life forever.
  • The Square
    Review preview for The Square

    As a reflection of the mood and struggles of those seeking democratic change it is immersive and visceral even if its up close and personal approach means that the political sphere is rendered in broad brushstroke terms.

    Amber Wilkinson · 3.5 out of 5
    Examination of the revolution in Egypt, from the perspective of a group of activists.
  • Before Snowfall
    Review preview for Before Snowfall

    Zaman is not looking to rush to judgement of his characters but to explore what makes them tick and give a feel for how traditions get passed down the generations.

    Amber Wilkinson · 4 out of 5
    A youngster from Kurdistan tracks his sister across Europe after she flees before her wedding.