The ACT Human Rights Film Festival is Colorado’s only dedicated human rights film festival, held annually in Fort Collins through Colorado State University’s Department of Communication Studies. Founded in 2016, ACT stands for its mission to (A)waken audiences to global issues, (C)onnect them through thoughtful conversations, and (T)ransform engagement with diverse communities and ideas.
The festival screens artistically excellent documentary and narrative films exploring human rights themes as outlined in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Programming includes films from around the world, with filmmakers, participants, and experts participating in Q&As, panel discussions, and community conversations. ACT has presented more than 200 films over nine years, hosting 150+ guests and reaching over 18,000 attendees.
Events take place at Colorado State University and The Lyric, Fort Collins’s independent theater, with after-parties and community receptions. The festival operates on pay-what-you-can pricing ($0+) to ensure accessibility. ACT Year-Round programming brings social justice films to northern Colorado throughout the year, while the “Call to ACT” program connects audiences with local organizations working on featured issues.
Faculty Program Director Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager leads the festival with community and academic advisory committees. ACT pays screening fees to all filmmakers and covers travel expenses or honoraria for attending guests, demonstrating commitment to supporting independent filmmakers addressing crucial social justice topics.
Dates: Early April, annually (April 9–12, 2026) Founded: 2016 Web: actfilmfest.colostate.edu
