One World Film Festival

One World (Czech: Jeden Svět) is the biggest human rights film festival in the world, held annually in Prague and other cities of the Czech Republic, with a selection later shown in Brussels and other countries.

Established in 1999 by Igor Blaževič and the Czech NGO People in Need, the One World Festival presents over 100 documentary films during nine days in Spring from around the world. It is a founding member of the Human Rights Film Network, which brings together 33 festivals around the world.

In 2006, the festival received a Special Mention from UNESCO for its contribution to human rights and peace education. Three years later, in 2009, One World published a handbook entitled Setting Up a Human Rights Film Festival, which offers practical advice as well as case studies of prominent human rights events.

In 2011, the One World Festival was in its 13th year and took place from 8 – 17 March, presenting 104 documentaries from more than 40 countries around the world. The festival seeks to promote the best quality documentary films on social and political issues. Furthermore, it has been held in 33 other towns and cities throughout the Czech Republic. A selection of One World films was also presented in Brussels. One World was held under the auspices of Václav Havel, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Karel Schwarzenberg, the Minister of Culture Jiří Besser, and the Mayor of Prague Bohuslav Svoboda.

The festival brings together a passionate group of filmmakers, human rights activists and charismatic individuals that stand at the frontline of the struggle for freedom, justice and human dignity. One World has been inspiring and actively helping with the establishment of many new human rights oriented festivals in Europe, Africa and Asia.

During the festival, People in Need grants the annual Homo Homini Award to individuals in recognition of a dedication to promote human rights, democracy and nonviolent solutions to political conflicts. The 2011 award went to the underground network of Syrian doctors, Doctors Coordinate of Damascus, for their work in aiding victims of violence in Syria.

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