Founder and Executive Director Jasmina Bojic emphasizes this year’s festival theme: “Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the United Nations at a time when divisions here and abroad are more ominous than ever, this year’s theme MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE continues our devotion to human rights with an emphasis on our concerns of what lies ahead and the imprint that we will leave behind.”
28th ANNUAL UNAFF (UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION FILM FESTIVAL) KICKS OFF WITH THE THEME MESSAGES FOR THE FUTURE THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16
AND THE MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION TO UNAFF AS ONE OF THE OLDEST PURELY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVALS IN THE US THAT EDUCATES AND ENGAGES THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
60 FILM THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD
Opening Night Program
5:30 PM Opening Night Reception, sponsored by Coupa Café and Terun Restaurant, music by the Potential Jazz Ensemble
6:00 PM Opening Night Proclamation from the City of Palo Alto Mayor Ed Lauing, followed by remarks from the filmmakers
AN ORDINARY INSANITY, directed by Oscar-Nominated filmmaker Judith Ehrlich – the documentary focuses on whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg’s lifelong campaign against nuclear weapons, exploring how moral courage can shape public discourse — and history. This is a World Premiere screening. (Watch the trailer)
STAND TOGETHER AS ONE, directed by Chip Duncan – revisits the journalist-led campaign behind We Are the World, reminding us of music’s role in activism. (Watch the trailer)
FOLLOWING HARRY, directed by Susanne Rostock – captures the final 12 years of Harry Belafonte’s extraordinary life of resistance and compassion. This is a West Coast Premiere screening. (Watch the trailer)
This is just the beginning. UNAFF provides ten more days of varied and fascinating accounts that are bound to surprise you. One of the hallmarks of UNAFF is its robust program of free community events and panels that encourage learning, engagement, and dialogue. Panels include special guests, filmmakers, and industry subject matter experts:
- Kindness: The Catalyst for Social Change – Oct. 18
- Active Climate Change Responses – Oct. 19
- Criminal Justice: Punishment vs. Reintegration – Oct. 20
- The Role of Social Media – Oct. 21
- Healthcare: Science and Truth Under Siege – Oct. 23
- Humanizing Complex Political Issues – Oct. 24
- Democracy and Media in the Age of AI – Oct. 25
Full list, times, and locations available at unaff.org/2025/schedule.html
