The 16th European Union Human Rights Short Film Competition is about to begin!

Cinema is not merely a form of storytelling; it is a powerful tool for advocacy.

Organised by the European Union Delegation to Türkiye, the European Union Human Rights Short Film Competition once again invites anyone who turns their camera towards human rights to share their story. Because every film makes the invisible visible; it brings the unspoken into the open.

Whether fiction, documentary or animation…

We are seeking powerful narratives that focus on human rights across a broad spectrum, ranging from environmental justice to migrant rights, and from children's rights to economic justice. Our aim is to encourage reflection on fundamental rights and freedoms, strengthen social dialogue, and create space for new storytellers. The award-winning films will meet the audience as part of the 16th European Union Human Rights Film Days to be held in December 2026.

Submit your short film-3 to 10 minutes in length and completed after 1 November 2025-to be part of this call. It doesn't matter if you're an amateur or a professional; all that matters is that you have a story to tell and something to say.

Last application date: November 1, 2026, 18:00.

The award-winning films will meet the audience as part of the 16^th European Union Human Rights Film Days to be held in December.

For detailed information and applications, please find the regulations here and visit the FilmFreeway platform.

Awards

First Prize
Fujifilm X-S20+ XF16-80mm Kit
Second Prize
Fujifilm X-S20 + XC15-45mm Kit
Third Prize
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF16-80mm Kit
Special Award for Gender Equality
Fujifilm X-M5 + XF16-50mm
Special Award for the Climate Crisis
Fujifilm X-M5 + XC15-45mm