Event Details
Movies that Matter Festival 2027 in The Hague
From 19 to 27 March 2027, The Hague hosts the next edition of the Movies that Matter Festival, one of the world's leading human rights film festivals. For nine days, the screens of Filmhuis Den Haag and Theater aan het Spui will be filled with over 90 films, debates and programmes focused on human rights, social justice and engaged cinema. Set in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, the festival creates a unique space where film meets activism and global dialogue.
Highlights
- Over 90 documentary and fiction films from around the world
- Nine awards across multiple competitions: Activist, Camera Justitia, Dutch Movies Matter and Grand Jury
- Daily debates and Q&A sessions with human rights defenders, filmmakers and experts
- Dedicated shorts programme with 27 short films in thematic blocks
- Students' Choice Award selected by a Leiden University student jury
- Special themed days: Teachers' Day, Earth at Stake, Justice Frame Day, HUMAN Day and more
- VR experiences and immersive special screenings
- Evening events and late-night parties at Filmhuis Den Haag café
Program & Competitions
The Movies that Matter Festival presents a carefully curated selection of international documentary films, fiction films and short films. The main competition sections are:
- Activist: Documentaries about the lives and work of human rights defenders on the frontlines.
- Camera Justitia: Films exploring the rule of law and the global fight against impunity.
- Dutch Movies Matter: Dutch feature films and documentaries that broaden perspectives on human rights.
- Grand Jury Documentary & Grand Jury Fiction: The best international documentary and fiction films, selected by international juries.
The program is complemented by daily Q&A sessions with filmmakers and activists, thematic shorts blocks and special evening events throughout the nine-day festival.
Tickets & Prices
Tickets for the Movies that Matter Festival 2027 are available online via the official festival website and at the festival box office in the foyer of Theater aan het Spui from the opening day of the festival. Available ticket categories include:
- Regular film screening: €13.50
- Shorts screening: €13.50
- Under 29 years old: €8.50
- 5 Multi Ticket: €55 (early access to ticket sales included)
- 10 Multi Ticket: €110
- On Demand: €8.50
- Holders of Cineville, Ooievaarspas and We Are Public passes can attend under special conditions.
At the festival box office, only PIN and credit card payments are accepted. Cash is not accepted.
Venues
The festival takes place across several venues in the centre of The Hague. The main venues are Filmhuis Den Haag and Theater aan het Spui. Additional screenings are held at Theater Dakota, Theater de Regentes, Theater de Vaillant and Kunstmuseum Den Haag. All venues are easily reachable on foot or by public transport from The Hague Centraal station.
Visitor Tips
- Purchase a Multi Ticket from December 2026 for early access to ticket sales and a discount per screening.
- The festival box office opens daily in the foyer of Theater aan het Spui, half an hour before the first screening.
- Only card and credit card payments are accepted at the festival box office; no cash.
- Travel by train or tram: Den Haag Centraal and Den Haag HS stations are within easy walking distance of all main venues.
- Book accommodation in The Hague early as the festival attracts an international audience.
- The full 2027 programme will be published on the official festival website in early 2027.
