AWBFF is an in-person festival dedicated to cinema addressing critical global issues, including human rights violations, the climate crisis, displacement, and social inequality. Audiences also participated in thought-provoking panel discussions with filmmakers, offering a deeper understanding of the stories behind the screen.
The first day concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating excellence in impactful filmmaking. Alongside competitive categories, the festival also presented Social Impact Awards for runner-up entries and an Honorary Award for Effort in Social Filmmaking, recognising a wide range of works committed to driving social change.
Award Highlights
Best Documentary: Justice Wanted (Turkey)
Produced by: TRT World Directed by: Mucahit Emre Sever
Justice Wanted brings a compelling new perspective to the Palestinian struggle by drawing parallels between Israel’s apartheid practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the attacks on Gaza since 7 October, and the oppression of South Africa’s apartheid era. The documentary follows South Africa’s groundbreaking move to initiate a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), supported by Colombia, Türkiye, and Nicaragua.
Best Feature Film: The Hunters’s Autumn (Bulgaria)
Directed by: André Chandelle
A hunter and his wife are drawn back together when an act of unexpected kindness forces them to confront their past and rediscover their humanity. Set in a village near the border, their journey intertwines with the struggles of a refugee boy, revealing the healing power of love.
Best Short Documentary: Maram: Between Shadow & Light (Lebanon)
Directed by: Samer Beyhum
This short documentary follows Maram, a Syrian refugee girl once selling flowers on the streets of Beirut, as she rebuilds her life after years of hardship. Her story is a powerful testament to courage and self-empowerment in the face of abuse, silence, and impossible odds.
Best Short Drama: Last Gasp (United Kingdom)
Directed by: Tom Cholmondeley
Julianna Harper and her father Robert are shocked by the arrival of Raad Karim, a man seeking justice for the devastating impact Robert’s oil company has had on his community in Iraq. As tensions rise, Robert must choose between protecting his empire or finally doing what is right.
Best Experimental Film: I Feel Like A Piece Of Meat (Turkey)
Directed by: Yalın Çağdaş Eşsiz
This experimental film examines the experience of a woman who was raped, exploring the culture of consuming animal bodies from a feminist vegan perspective. It draws parallels between the commodification of cows and women under patriarchal systems.
Best Animation Film: Proceed to Rescue (Switzerland)
Directed by: Enrico Bachmann
With increased restrictions placed on maritime rescue in the Mediterranean, NGO ships face sanctions while the number of shipwrecks continues to rise. This short animation highlights the consequences and moral dilemmas faced by those committed to saving lives.
A Platform for Global Voices
This year’s festival showcased powerful stories from across the world – from indigenous struggles in Aotearoa (New Zealand) to activists defending their lives and land in Brazil. Many films exposed harsh realities that often remain invisible, highlighting the courage of filmmakers working at the frontlines of injustice, environmental destruction, and inequality.
By sparking important conversations, AWBFF continues to demonstrate the transformative power of storytelling in the fight for human rights and social justice.
Submissions for the 2026 Activists Without Borders Film Festival open in January. Activist filmmakers worldwide are encouraged to submit their work as AWBFF continues to amplify voices that challenge injustice and advocate for change.
For a complete list of selected films and images from the 2025 festival, visit:
https://activistswithoutborders.org.uk/activists-without-borders-film-festival-2025/
