One World Film Festival takes a hard look at human rights in Trump's America

The One World International Human Rights Film Festival has long exposed global injustices, championed activism, and shed light on struggles for democracy and freedom. But this year, the festival’s spotlight on the United States comes as a striking and somewhat unsettling shift.

The Trump administration’s actions have affected thousands in humanitarian crises, festival organizers say, including Ukrainians, Palestinians, American women, and transgender people. Beginning March 12, One World will screen films that provide key context for these policies.

“The One World festival has always sought to highlight urgent human rights issues, and this year, the U.S. stands at a critical juncture,” says festival director Ondřej Kamenický. “These films serve as a mirror, reflecting both the country’s strengths and its deep-seated contradictions.”

For decades, the U.S. has positioned itself as a beacon of democracy and human rights. Yet, the films selected for One World 2025 paint a different picture—one of deepening divisions, ideological battles, and government policies that have profoundly impacted vulnerable populations within and beyond its borders.

Among the festival’s standout films this year is The White House Effect, a documentary by Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk, and Pedro Kos that examines the long shadow cast by American political decisions. Borrowing its name from a term once used by former Vice President George H.W. Bush, the film highlights how climate policies—or the lack thereof—became deeply politicized during his presidency, setting the stage for ongoing global repercussions.

Another highly anticipated screening is Night is Not Eternal, which follows an unexpected ideological rift between two women—Cuban activist Rosa and filmmaker Nanfu. After emigrating to the U.S., their perspectives on democracy clash; while Nanfu grows increasingly wary of the similarities between American and Chinese capitalism, Rosa becomes a supporter of Donald Trump. The film explores how political power distorts democracy’s very meaning.

Other films in the lineup dive into some of the most controversial issues in contemporary American society. Separated provides a harrowing look at Trump-era immigration policies, particularly the systematic separation of thousands of children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. The documentary, directed by Oscar-winner Errol Morris, offers a behind-the-scenes view of the “zero tolerance” policy and the figures who championed it.

Meanwhile, Zurawski v Texas tells the powerful story of Amanda Zurawski, who was denied a medically necessary abortion under Texas’s strict anti-abortion laws. The film follows her fight for justice, highlighting the devastating human cost of restrictive reproductive rights policies.

Race and historical narratives take center stage in Stone Mountain, an exploration of the controversial Confederate monument in Georgia. Director Daniel Newell Kaufman delves into the ongoing debate over America’s historical memory, racism, and deeply divided views on how the past should be acknowledged.

One World doesn’t just spotlight issues in the U.S.—injustices in countries like Syria and Russia are also under scrutiny. This year’s lineup includes Memories Full of Ghosts by Anas Zawahri, a meditative essay capturing the devastation of Homs, Syria, a once-thriving city reduced to ruins by war. The film will open the festival at Prague Crossroads on March 12 with a simultaneous public screening at Lucerna Cinema.

“One World has been mapping the conflict in Syria since its very beginning in 2011. Over the years, many talented Syrian filmmakers and human rights figures have visited the festival and been awarded many times for their works. The world has forgotten about Syria during the protracted war, but we have not,” says Kamenický.

Also making its Czech premiere is Mr. Nobody Against Putin, directed by Pavel Talankin. Awarded the Special Jury Prize at Sundance, the documentary follows Russian teacher Pavel Talankin, who unwittingly becomes a tool of war propaganda after the invasion of Ukraine. The film exposes the stark realities of everyday life under war and the insidious reach of Russian propaganda.

Danish director David Borenstein will also present Can’t Feel Nothing, a deep dive into the murky world of social media manipulation and the business of trading human emotions. He will lead a public masterclass at FAMU on March 14, conducted in English.

Also screening is Motherboard, a documentary by BAFTA-winning director Victoria Mapplebeck, filmed over 20 years on smartphones. It chronicles her journey as a single mother, capturing life’s struggles and joys with humor and honesty.

A section devoted to Slovak films explores current political issues, including rising xenophobia, cultural heritage, and mafia influence in politics, offering a look at the evolving “Slovak journey” amidst disturbing regional developments. Among the recommended films is Ms. President, a profile of Slovak president Zuzana Čaputová’s five years in office.

All films have Czech subtitles and are accessible to English speakers. Starting May 2025, the festival’s best films will be available on the One World online platform.