Let’s watch, comment and share: HAFF festival official selection online from 15 April to the end of May 2024
In April and May 2024, as in previous editions, the Health for All Film Festival (HAFF) releases its new official selection through online playlists published on WHO’s YouTube channel. The HAFF website presents the list of selected titles for each category of the competition with some keywords to ease your choice of films to watch. This strategic timing allows you all to actively engage with the shortlisted films.
You are encouraged to view and comment on your favourite films and to champion them on social media using the hashtag #Film4Health. WHO hopes that numerous people will spread the word about this opportunity to interact with health stories.
About 60 shortlisted films are available on WHO’s YouTube channel in four playlists, as per the competition categories: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) - Emergencies, Migrants and Refugees Health - Better Health and Physical Activity - Very Short Films.
In parallel to the online access for the wide public, the international jury will review this shortlist and recommend winners to the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This year, the distinguished jury is composed of senior WHO experts collaborating with renowned artists like Sharon Stone, Alfonso Herrera, Nandita Das and more. Please visit the HAFF website to learn about each edition’s prestigious jury composition. This unique blend of expertise ensures that the festival effectively champions the core public health objectives established by WHO.
The winners will be announced during the hybrid Awards Ceremony on 26 May, on the eve of the World Health Assembly opening.
The right to health as a leading thread in this selection
Since its inception in 2020, the HAFF has garnered a remarkable response. Over 5000 submissions have been received from 110 countries, resulting in a curated collection of about 320 short films. This diverse catalogue offers a unique perspective into the realities faced by individuals or communities around the world grappling with various health challenges. Furthermore, it shines a light on the continuing efforts and dedication of healthcare professionals striving to make a positive impact.
Feedback received from across the globe highlights HAFF's positive role in raising awareness about critical health issues, fostering empathy, and encouraging concrete action.
In 2024, the campaign launched on 7 April as the World Health Day theme is “My health, my right”. Coincidentally, numerous selected films submitted by champions of health and additional titles made by WHO illustrate various aspects of the right to health.
Physical Activity and “Walk the Talk” on 26 May 2024!
While migrants and refugees health is a special focus added to the regular competition category on health emergencies, physical activity is another special focus added to the category on better health and well-being. Therefore, these two thematic special film prizes will be announced in addition to the three main Grand Prix awarded every year.
The HAFF Awards Ceremony will be integrated into a high-level event on 26 May at 17:00 on the eve of the World Health Assembly (WHA). The morning of 26 May will be an occasion for Geneva’s audience and WHA delegations to warm up with the yearly opportunity offered by WHO to encourage physical activity for all: Walk the Talk will be held at Place des Nations from 08:30 to noon!
Join HAFF’s global movement!
• Find films to comment on the Health for All Film (www.who.int/film-festival) page – click on “Official Selection” and visit the pages where the WHO YouTube playlists are available. You will also find information about the jury, the events and the goal of health impact through film.
• Join the movement for health impact through film on LinkedIn and promote the festival on social media using the hashtag #Film4Health.