Movies that Matter
On April 8 the Movies that Matter Festival kicks off in The Hague (NL) and online. The festival’s selection focuses on movies and documentaries related to human rights. We selected three of them for you.
Trenches, Loup Bureau.
The documentary Trenches gives a sobering look at the harsh life on the frontline in the Donbas conflict between Ukrainian government forces and Russian separatists, shot before the war escalated in the rest of Ukraine. French filmmaker Loup Bureau spent months in the trenches with Ukrainian soldiers, filming them up-close and very personal, capturing a mix of lethargy and frightening artillery attacks.
Hive, Blerta Basholli.
In this movie, based on a true story, Fahrije’s husband is one of the many men who disappeared during the Kosovo war of 1999. Instead of passively waiting for his return, she takes her life into her own hands. But in her conservative hometown, an independent woman causes hostility and even violence.
Faceless, Jennifer Ngo.
Inspirational and often shocking account from within the 2019 protests against the Extradition Bill in Hong Kong. Faceless documents the perspective of four very different, but equally determined young protesters, representing a generation willing to risk much in the battle for democracy.
Movies that Matter Festival 2022, from 8 to 16 April in The Hague, across the Netherlands and online.