Combining a commitment towards human and environmental rights advocacy with a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers, Activists Without Borders operate under the mission statement that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” They formed in the early 2020s, coming together in the UK from across the globe, and standing by their diversity and inclusivity as their greatest strength.
As stated on their website, they “were founded on the belief that compassion, solidarity, and the collective power of individuals can transcend borders” – and deliver justice to the furthest corners of the globe. Fundamentally, their work operates through four steps: research, campaign, educate, and expose. From investigating injustices on the ground, and raising public awareness on human and environmental rights violations, to providing educational opportunities and creative outlets for those pushing for meaningful change.
Founded on the belief that compassion, solidarity, and the collective power of individuals can transcend borders
AWB
As a non-profit organisation, their strategy carefully outlines a commitment towards keeping the public educated on social justice issues in a completely independent manner. Hoping to foster positive change, they support lawful and peaceful demonstrations that build community engagement and outreach worldwide, and stand strictly by a promotion of non-violent and ethical action.
Part of this work is delivered through the craft of storytelling, which AWB defines as having “the power to cross borders, challenge dominant narratives, and inspire empathy.” This is where their annual film festival – AWBFF, or Activists Without Borders Film Festival – plays a crucial role. From its debut ceremony in 2023, the festival has championed social action filmmaking tackling important issues such as climate change, human rights violation and social inequality.
Their competitive prize categories include long and short-form drama and documentary films, as well as animation and experimental film awards. They also present an annual Honorary Award for Efforts in Social Filmmaking, and a Social Impact Award, as well as hosting panel discussions, networking events, and – of course – screenings of the international submissions.
Past winners have explored the individual and global impacts of contemporary issues such as oil empires, immigration crises, and the effects of war through the lens of nations as far apart as Australia, Turkey, Italy and Lebanon. The terms for competitive entries are outlined on their website, and their broad scope is more than welcoming towards student productions for those interested in breaking into the filmmaking industry.
The terms for competitive entries are outlined on their website, and their broad scope is more than welcoming towards student productions
On that note, AWB’s Impact Filmmakers Network welcomes filmmaking students amongst many other amateur or established storytellers in the aim to build an international community where filmmakers can “learn, collaborate, and grow together around shared values.” There’s no sign-up fee, and once joined, the Network provides access to conferences, talks, and roundtables, as well as facilitating collaborative productions, and opportunities for commissioning and developing films in their early stages. Alongside this, AWB organises online and in-person screenings, and connects filmmakers to campaigns, advocacy links, and showcase pathways.
For those who want to get involved in AWB’s work, they offer opportunities for membership, partnership, and volunteering. With this year’s festival taking place in Reading on October 17-18th, AWB offers work experience, exclusive access, and networking opportunities for those volunteering at their film festival. More information and their contact details can be found at their website: https://activistswithoutborders.org.uk/.
