After four decades on death row, César Fierro is released. But what is it like to return to the world? Can you get back to the life you had before you had to take a break forty years ago? After Los Años de Fierro, director Santiago Esteinou is back with César Fierro in La libertad de Fierro. This intimate documentary explores a fundamental question: what is freedom? How do you relearn to live and reintegrate into the world, how do you heal the invisible after-effects of imprisonment? A touching and fascinating discussion, where films and personal accounts explore resilience and the human condition.

In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

In the face of media and historical erasure, Gaza survives through its artists. Thanks to films such as those compiled by From Ground Zero, the archival work of the Photo Kegham of Gaza: Unboxing, and the commitment of “Palestine Filmer C'est Exister”, art is documenting and fighting back. Palestinian culture survives and asserts itself as a living memory and an act of resistance. An essential dialogue on the power of images to fight against oblivion and defend dignity.

Nollywood is the world's second-largest film industry in terms of volume. With around 2,500 films produced each year, this sector represents around 2.3% of Nigeria's GDP. But what does this “Nollywood” label really mean? Often seen as simplistic, this label conceals a varied and booming production. This round table will look at the complex issues behind this film industry. As well as producing popular films, Nollywood is also establishing itself as a key player in the representation of Africa in global culture and in the film market. A discussion to better understand an industry in the throes of change.

In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

The textile industry, one of the most polluting ones in the world, is at the heart of the debate. How can we imagine sustainable and ethical fashion? Echoing Wang Bing's films Youth (Hard Times) and Youth (Homecoming), which explore the working conditions and struggles of young people in China's textile industry, this round-table discussion looks at the transformation of fashion. Starting in Switzerland and Geneva, how can we reduce consumption and extend the life of clothing to encourage environmentally-friendly practices? Through the testimonies of committed players, we will work together to find solutions for responsible and respectful fashion.

In partnership with emp’ACT 

With the support of the city of Geneva 

Thanks to the Fédération genevoise de coopération 

Ten years after his first visit and masterclass in 2015, Wang Bing is back at the Black Movie Festival to exchange about his work in an online conversation. A major figure in contemporary documentary, he is back with his two latest works: Youth (Hard Times) and Youth (Homecoming). After Youth (Spring) (2023), the director completes a trilogy lasting almost ten hours, devoted to the daily lives of young Chinese workers. These films, with their rare power, capture with humanity the hopes and disillusions of an entire generation, trapped in an oppressive system. The characteristic length of Wang Bing's works reflects his commitment to revealing the depths of time and human realities that are often invisible. This meeting offers an exceptional opportunity to meet the director and better understand the scope of his work and his vision of cinema.

Of Franco-Palestinian origin, Rima Hassan will talk about her activist career during this special event. Known for her commitment to the Palestinian people and her denunciation of the crimes committed by the Israeli army in Gaza and elsewhere, she worked for the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons before founding the Observatory of Refugee Camps in 2019.

Her feminist and humanitarian commitment, rooted in a fight for justice and human rights, will be at the heart of this discussion. Elected as a Member of the European Parliament in the summer of 2024, she will share her unique experience and the challenges she faces in the media and institutions. An essential meeting to discuss the necessary fight for human rights.