The Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival (MCHRFF) returns for its 8th annual celebration of cinema, storytelling, and social impact. From September 22–26, 2026, filmmakers, artists, scholars, activists, students, and community members will gather at Morehouse College for five days of powerful films, thought-provoking conversations, and transformative engagement centered on human rights issues from around the world.
As one of the nation’s premier human rights film festivals hosted by an HBCU, MCHRFF amplifies stories that challenge injustice, inspire dialogue, and encourage action. Through screenings, panel discussions, filmmaker conversations, keynote presentations, and educational programming, the festival creates space for critical conversations about the issues shaping our communities and our world.
Announcing Early Selections
The Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival is proud to announce 11 early selections for the 2026 festival. Chosen from a competitive pool of submissions from around the globe, these films represent compelling stories of resilience, identity, justice, community, and the enduring pursuit of human dignity.
The 2026 Early Selections are:
- Capriccio | Directed by Kiah Clingman
- Cereal | Directed by Avyance Ervin
- Chicken Ghetto | Directed by Sangsun Choi
- Free Joan Little | Directed by Yoruba Richen
- HIM+ | Directed by Creed Smith
- She Dared to Dream: Ayanna Pressley | Directed by Abby Ginzberg
- Sister Salad Days | Directed by Adesola Thomas
- The Dads | Directed by Luchina Fisher
- The Making of Taylor Square | Directed by Caroline Josey Karoki
- The Sight Unseen | Directed by Shawn Antoine II
- You No Mashallah! | Directed by Juanfer Andrés and Laura Vago
Additional official selections, special screenings, keynote speakers, panel discussions, and festival events will be announced throughout the summer.
Festival Highlights
High School Student Day
The festival opens with a dedicated day of programming designed to engage and inspire high school students through film, dialogue, and civic learning experiences.
Creative Conference
Industry professionals, filmmakers, writers, producers, and media leaders will come together for conversations focused on storytelling, creativity, career pathways, and the power of media to drive change.
Film Screenings & Filmmaker Conversations
Experience award-winning documentaries, narrative features, short films, and student works from around the world, followed by engaging discussions with filmmakers and special guests.
Panels & Special Events
The festival will feature dynamic conversations exploring human rights, social justice, culture, education, media representation, and community engagement.
Join Us
Whether you are a filmmaker, student, educator, advocate, or film enthusiast, the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival offers an opportunity to connect with stories that matter and engage in conversations that inspire meaningful change.
Festival badges are now on sale.
Sign up for festival updates and be the first to learn about additional film announcements, speakers, special events, and volunteer opportunities.
Together, we celebrate the power of film to educate, inspire, and advance human rights.