2025 Programming
OPENING*
Projection of From mud to regularization (2025), a documentary by the Les veus de la DANA team directed by Víctor Suárez.
*Attendance at this event requires an invitation.
CYCLE "ARMED CONFLICTS AND CULTURE OF PEACE"
This year we present our honorary award Peace and Justice Hernán Zin (Buenos Aires, 1971). War reporter, writer, and documentary filmmaker. He has worked in more than 80 countries, focusing his work on social issues. Author of seven books and more than 40 documentaries.
Dying to Tell
Hernán Zin| 2018 | Spain | 89' | Spanish (VOSE)
Synopsis: A journey into the collective memory of Spanish war reporters of the last four decades and, at the same time, a tribute to the journalists who have given their lives trying to give a voice to the victims of barbarism. A denunciation of the suffering of its most innocent victims, those whom reporters have seen suffer the unimaginable, from Vietnam through Guatemala, Bosnia, Rwanda, and Iraq to Libya, Syria, Gaza, and Afghanistan.
+ Discussion with director Hernán Zin and journalist Rosa María Calaf.
[WITH LIVE SUBTITLING FOR THE DEAF]
Friday, May 30 – 6 p.m.
The Film Library
Edge of night
Turker Suer | 2024 | Türkiye | 85' | Turkish (VOSE)
Synopsis: Sinan, a young lieutenant in the Turkish army, must hand his brother Kenan over to a military tribunal. Overwhelmed by the tragic death of their father, the two brothers embark on a journey through a land marked by political turmoil. As they confront their beliefs, Sinan's convictions are put to the test on the night of the coup. In a country where the state demands absolute loyalty, the brothers must decide if they are willing to make the sacrifices their duty and conscience demand.
+ Presentation with José Luis Cienfuegos, director of Seminci, and José Antonio Hurtado, head of programming at the Valencian Film Library.
[SEMINCI FESTIVAL GUEST]
Friday, May 30 – 8:15 p.m.
The Film Library
Flow (Menuda Filmo – Children's Session)
Gints Zilbalodis | 2024 | Latvia | 83'
Synopsis: A cat wakes up in a world covered in water, where the human race seems to have disappeared. He seeks refuge on a boat with a group of other animals. But getting along with them proves to be an even bigger challenge than overcoming his fear of water. They will all have to learn to overcome their differences and adapt to this new world they find themselves in.
+ Humans Fest presentation.
[2025 OSCAR AND GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATED FILM]
Saturday, May 31 – 6 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 – 6 p.m.
The Film Library
Eyes of Gaza
Mahmoud Atassi | 2025 | Qatar | 50' | Arabic VOSE
Synopsis:This hellish portrait follows three Palestinian journalists in northern Gaza who are forced to put their lives in danger while trying to do their job. The journalistic message must be conveyed, no matter the cost, in this utterly grim tale dominated by gray and dark blue: the gray of the endless rubble of a shattered Gaza and the dark blue of the bulletproof vests the journalists wear.
+ Discussion with director Mahmoud Atassi and producer Abdulrahman Alkilany.
Saturday, May 31 – 8 p.m.
The Film Library
Intercepted
Oksana Karpovych | 2024 | Canada / France / Ukraine | 95' | Ukrainian / Russian (VOSE)
Synopsis: The destruction of the war in Ukraine is depicted in long frames. Soldiers' phone calls to their families reveal a parallel world. Sound and image clash.
Saturday, May 31 – 10 p.m.
The Film Library
The war against women
Hernán Zin | 2013 | Spain | 74' | Spanish
Synopsis: A powerful exposé of the use of rape as a weapon of war in various conflicts around the world. With direct witnesses and a human approach, the documentary gives voice to women who have survived the horror and are fighting for justice and dignity.
+ Colloquium with Sonia Martin Carrascosa, journalist at Farmamundi.
Sunday, June 1 – 8 p.m.
The Film Library
For you Portugal, I swear!
Diogo Cardoso and Sofia da Palma Rodrigues | 2024 | Portugal | 98' | Portuguese VOSE
Synopsis: This documentary tells the story of West African soldiers who fought for Portugal against the independence movements in its colonies. After being abandoned and left at the mercy of local armies, they were denied the promised benefits for aligning themselves with the colonizer.
+ Discussion with co-director Diogo Cardoso.
[INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE]
Wednesday, June 4 – 8 p.m.
The Film Library
HUMANS FIC: Our selection of Fiction
Official competitive section featuring the best international feature films on human rights produced over the past year. Microfilms created by students for the section will be screened before each feature film. Building peace in a minuteThe public will decide the winning work by popular vote.
Year of the Widow
Veronika Lisková | Czech Republic| 2024 | 108' | Czech VOSE
Synopsis: A recently widowed woman embarks on a path of self-discovery, challenging social norms and embracing her newfound freedom.
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
Sunday, June 1 – 8 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
Thank you for banking with us!
Laila Abbas | Germany | 2024 | 92' | German (VOSE)
Synopsis: When their father dies, leaving a large sum of money in the bank, two sisters put aside their differences and join forces to challenge Islamic law, which gives their brother the right to take double what is owed to them.
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
Wednesday, June 4 – 8 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
For your own good
Axel Monsú | Argentina | 2024 | 77' | Castilian
Synopsis: Zulma is a teenager growing up in a rural town, accepting the dictates imposed by her family and religious community, until certain events force her to make drastic decisions. The daughter of a poor family in a closed community where loyalty, guilt, and fear keep ancient draconian rules alive and well, Zulma will have to do whatever it takes to save herself and her loved ones.
+ Discussion with the film crew
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
[SCREENING WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Thursday, June 5 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
No dogs allowed
Steve Bache | Germany | 2024 | 106' | German (Spanish subtitles)
Synopsis: Gabo is a 15-year-old boy who seems like a normal teenager, spending his days at school, hanging out with his friends, and playing video games. But this isn't the case, as we soon discover he's developing uncontrollable tendencies. He befriends a man in his forties, Dave, with whom he explores a friendship that quickly turns into something much more sordid. The first turning point in the narrative occurs when Dave is arrested, and Gabo struggles between testifying against him and exposing his own murky secret.
+ Discussion with screenwriter Stephan Kampf.
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
Friday, June 6 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
This is my night
Jafra Younes | Syria and the United Arab Emirates | 2024 | 69' | Arabic (VOSE)
SynopsisRuba, an artist suffering from severe depression, lives with her father, a retired military officer. At noon, after finishing cleaning the apartment, she confides in him her intention to commit suicide in a few hours. The two engage in conversations about the past, family, and death, touching on the subject of the loss of her mother. Amidst the ordinary activities of their day, such as preparing meals and listening to music, the father struggles to dissuade his daughter from taking such a tragic step. Finally, she takes her gun and retreats to her room.
+ Discussion with director Jafra Younes.
[WORLD PREMIERE]
Friday, June 6 – 8 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
HUMANS DOC: our documentary selection
Official competitive section featuring the best international documentary feature films produced over the past year on human rights. Microfilms created by students for the section will be screened alongside each feature film. Building peace in a minuteThe public will decide the winning work by popular vote.
My sweet land
Sareen Hairabedian | Jordan | 2024 | 86' | Armenian (VOSE)
Synopsis: For eleven-year-old Vrej, life in his homeland of Artsakh is like paradise, but when war breaks out again, can he carry the hopes of a nation on his young shoulders?
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
[SCREENING WITH SPECIAL SUBTITLING]
Sunday, June 1 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
Public bodies
Valeria Sartori | Argentina | 2024 | 76' | Castilian
Synopsis: An essay on prostitution, featuring four interviews on the one hand, and interventions created by four contemporary dance choreographers on the other.
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
Monday, June 2 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
Day laborers: the bad boss
Sergio Rodrigo | Spain | 2025 | 60' | Spanish
Synopsis: The strange disappearance of a Senegalese day laborer during the olive harvest season has shocked the Andalusian town of Villacarrillo (Jaén). This isn't the first time: a similar case occurred in 2014, sparking widespread incidents in the municipality.
+ Discussion with director Sergio Rodrigo.
[SCREENING WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Tuesday, June 3 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
The Promised House
Renato Dennis | Chile | 2024 | 104' | Castilian
SynopsisThe housing problem in Chile is one of its most significant shortcomings as a country. Owning a home is becoming increasingly restrictive and unattainable for the majority of the population due to neoliberal policies and the hegemony of real estate companies that monopolize housing. "The Promised House" reflects the struggle of various organizations that have pursued the dream of owning a home over many years.
[INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE]
Tuesday, June 3 – 8 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
I'm here
Dorian Rivière and Zsófia Paczolay | Portugal | 2024 | 82' | Portuguese VOSE
Synopsis:In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisbon's largest sports center is repurposed as an emergency shelter for the homeless. Guided by Teresa, the project director, a temporary, self-organized community emerges, restoring a culture of care and mutual support. In a society on the brink of collapse and despite the scorn of the neighborhood, residents find a voice and a sense of belonging. The film follows the journey of Tiago and Plácido, two committed friends, as they navigate the daily tumult with the hope of a new beginning.
[SPANISH PREMIERE]
Wednesday, June 4 – 6 p.m.
Babel Cinemas
SHORT FILMS IN COMPETITION
Official competitive section on short films: international, both fiction and documentary, and Valencian (Curt i Barrejat). The challenge of saying a lot about human rights in less than 30 minutes!
SESSION 1
Monday, June 2 – From 6 to 7:30 p.m.
SGAE Center Cultural Room
LETTER TO A SUICIDE
Xana del Mar López García and Miguel Solís González | Spain | 2024 | 9' | Spanish
THE KAYAR SHORT CAYUCOS
Álvaro Hernández Blanco | Spain | 29' | Spanish
SWEET CABANYAL
Anna Juesas and Sonia Sánchez | Spain | 2025 | 4' | No dialogue
IMADE
Ignacio Acconcia González | Spain | 2024 | 29' | Catalan
THE ASHES ARE BURNING
Lucas Leonidas | Argentina | 2024 | 23' | Castilian
SESSION 4
Thursday, June 5 – From 6 to 7:30 p.m.
SGAE Center Cultural Room
CARMELA
Vicente Mallols | Spain | 2025 | 15' | Castilian
BLUE EARTH
Marine Auclair March | Spain | 2024 | 19' | Catalan
KIVU SEEDS
Néstor López and Carlos Valle | Spain | 2024 | 29' | French
EDGE
Abel Moreno Pradas | Spain | 2025 | 14' | No dialogue
ADIDAS OWNS THE REALITY
Igor Vamos and Keil Orion Troisi | United States, Cambodia, and Germany | 2024 | 22' | English
SESSION 2
Tuesday, June 3 – From 6 to 7:30 p.m.
SGAE Center Cultural Room
EMILIA
Rafa Arroyo | Spain | 2024 | 20' | Spanish
HUNCH
Marisa Crespo and Moisés Romera | Spain | 2025 | 17' | Valencian
FUTURE IS PANORAMA
Muschirf Shekh Zeyn | Syria and Germany | 2024 | 15' | Arab
THE WARRIORS OF LOVE
Joaquín González | India and Uruguay | 2024 | 15' | Hindi
DISSONANCE
Raquel Larrosa | Spain | 2025 | 25' | Spanish and Arabic
SESSION 3
[WITH AUDIO DESCRIPTION]
Wednesday, June 4 – From 6 to 7:30 p.m.
SGAE Center Cultural Room
February 29
Diego Fandos | Spain | 2024 | 20' | Spanish
ANGER
Jose Luis Lazaro | Spain | 2025 | 9' | Valencian
RELAX
Jl Maldonado | Spain | 2024 | 14' | English
YOUR OWN BOSS
Álvaro Guzmán Bastida | United States | 2024 | 18' | English
DIMARTS
Almudena Verdés and Begoña Soler | Spain | 2024 | 20' | Valencian
HUMAN DEBATES
Resistance and acceptance: defending rights in hostile environments
Screening of the short films that emerged from the participatory documentary workshop organized by Humans Fest and the Foundation for Justice and taught by La Cosecha Comunicación + Discussion with the producers and protagonists/human rights activists.
HOT SPOON, HOT PEPPER
Jenifer Abata, Martina Lara, Jairo Mendoza, Aitana Pérez, and Valentina Jiménez – La Cosecha Comunicación | Valencia | 2025 | 12:36 | Spanish
SynopsisJennifer, an Ecuadorian migrant activist, shares her connection to cooking as a form of resistance, memory, and identity. Her story takes us to the bed of the Turia River, where other South American migrant women sell traditional foods from their countries to support themselves and their families, working as laborers of "the hot spoon and the hot chili pepper."
THE GIRLS OF REVOLUTION STREET
Ghazaleh Khorraminiya, Pooneh Mansouri, Paula Sancho, Florencia Brandolini and Alba Benlloch – La Cosecha Comunicación | Valencia | 2025 | 08'12″| Spanish and Persian
SynopsisThis documentary tells the story of two young Iranian girls searching for the freedom that was taken away from them in their homeland. In Spain, they found a place to continue fighting for the rights of Iranian women and women around the world. Inspired by the White Wednesdays movement, they share a testament to resilience, courage, and transformation.
REGISTRATION MANUAL 3.0
Isis Figueroa, Luis Alberto Marín, Ybrahin Medina, Elisa Paola Vélez, and Carlos Daniel Gomero – La Cosecha Communication | Valencia | 2025 | 3:55 | Spanish
Synopsis: In a humorous tone and as if it were an infomercial, it addresses the difficulties that migrants face in obtaining registration, and gives advice on how to successfully tackle such an arduous task.
LANGUAGES: IDENTITY AND MEMORY
Lucrecia Aguilar, Diana Sancho, Raquel Toboso, and Víctor Suárez – La Cosecha Comunicación | Valencia | 2025 | 7:57 | Valencian and Spanish
SynopsisA group of women from different backgrounds—migrants and Valencians of migrant parents—explain what Valencian and other languages mean to them, their identity, and respect for cultural diversity.
Tuesday, June 3 – 6 p.m.
Rector Peset Residence Hall
Women on the front lines of peace
Screening of the short documentary Together for peace in Chocó, directed by Dannia Beltrán. Humanas Corporation | Colombia | 2024 | Spanish
Alba Teresa Higuera Buitrago She is a human rights defender, a women's rights defender, a political refugee, a feminist, an environmentalist, and a builder of peace, truth, justice, and memory. She is also the co-founder and coordinator of the Collective of Refugee, Exile, and Migrant Women.
Hanan Kaddoura, a humanitarian action specialist and member of the Palestinian Community in Valencia.
Thursday, June 5 – 6 p.m.
Rector Peset Residence Hall + Colloquium
INDUSTRY WORKSHOP: Keys and resources for a more inclusive cinema
Limited capacity. Prior registration required. In collaboration with CERMI.
What steps can we take within the audiovisual sector to ensure everyone is included? In this practical workshop, filmmaker Miguel Ángel Font shares tools, examples, and strategies for creating more accessible and inclusive audiovisual works from the ground up.
Thursday, June 6 – 11 a.m.
Rector Peset Residence Hall
HUMAN VERMUTHS
On Saturdays, come and have a vermouth for human rights!
MUVIMAS (MuVIM cafeteria)
SATURDAY, MAY 31 – AT 12 PM
I love you too: against hate and lies, pro-narratives
Conversation with journalists and experts about how hate speech spreads and the tools social movements are using to combat it.
- Miquel Ramos, journalist and researcher of social movements and hate speech.
- Maria Iranzo-Cabrera, journalist, professor and researcher on hate speech in media and social networks at the University of Valencia.
- Eloísa Noes, a specialist in communication for peace and social transformation, and professor of Audiovisual Communication at the Universitat Jaume I.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 – AT 12 PM
So I pay! Money for war, money for peace
Conversation with activists promoting peaceful responses in the current context of rising military spending and arms trade.
- Alejandro Pozo, researcher on peace, armed conflict, disarmament and humanitarian action at the Delàs Center.
- Maria Fraile, activist of the Armed Banking campaign
- Ximena Medina, spokesperson for the Campaign for Tax Justice
FRESH CINEMA
Saturday, May 31 – 9:30 PM
THE TOWER
Our Lady of Grace Parish Square
Avenida Real de Madrid, 16, Pobles del Sud, Valencia
Selection of out-of-competition short films + Discussion
Thursday, June 5 – 9:30 PM
NAZARETH
Courtyard of Our Lady of the Helpless School
Calle del Parque de Nazaret, 82, Poblats Marítims, Valencia
FLOW projection + Colloquium
Friday, June 6 – 9:30 PM
ORRIOLS NEIGHBORHOOD
Orriols Hermitage Garden Square
San Vicente de Paúl Street, Valencia
FLOW projection + Colloquium
GYMKHANA
SATURDAY, MAY 31 – FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM – IN THE MUVIM SQUARE
Let's have fun! The "Shared Path" Treasure Hunt in collaboration with the NGO AESCO
In the "Shared Path: Discovering Stories of Migration and Diversity" treasure hunt, the NGO AESCO invites Humans Fest participants to step into the shoes of those who have had to leave their homes in search of safety, freedom, or better opportunities. Lasting a total of 30 minutes, participants will immersively experience the difficulties and decisions migrants face in order to develop empathy, understand the realities of migration, and generate group reflections.
Activity for all audiences