The Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival (MCHRFF) returns September 22–26, 2026, for its eighth season, bringing filmmakers, industry professionals, students and audiences together for five days of films, conversations and programs exploring some of today’s most pressing human rights issues.
Before the festival officially opens, Morehouse College will welcome Netflix to campus on Monday, September 21, for an exclusive first-look screening of A Different World, the highly anticipated new series inspired by the groundbreaking television series.
In attendance will be the series creator, showrunner, writer, and executive producer Felicia Pride, executive producer and director Debbie Allen, and executive producers Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Gina Prince-Bythewood, and Mandy Summers, along with legacy cast members Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell and Cree Summer, as well as next-generation cast members Maleah Joi Moon, Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece, Chibuikem Uche, and more.
The special event at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel will feature a red carpet and advance screening, setting the stage for MCHRFF’s five days of programming beginning Tuesday.
On Tuesday, September 22, MCHRFF officially opens with its annual High School Student Day, introducing area students to storytelling, media and human rights through a day of curated programming. Writer and creator Kimarley Henry will join students for a special presentation of episodes from his series, Chad Against the World, followed by a conversation about storytelling and the creative process.
Tuesday’s programming will also feature the MCHRFF Creative Conference, designed to connect emerging creatives with professionals working across film, television and entertainment. Programming will include conversations on developing, pitching and packaging projects, navigating the entertainment industry and building sustainable creative careers.
MCHRFF kicks off its evening programming with Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Christalyn Hampton, producer of the documentary short The Devil Is Busy, who will deliver the festival’s keynote address. Hampton’s appearance is presented with support from longtime festival partner Learning for Justice.
“Eight seasons in, I’m incredibly proud of how the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival continues to grow while remaining grounded in the purpose that inspired its creation,” said Kara Walker, Founder and Executive Director of the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival. “Film has a unique ability to open our eyes to experiences beyond our own and spark meaningful conversations. My hope is that audiences leave the festival moved by what they’ve seen and inspired to continue those conversations long after the credits roll.”
Festival programming continues on Wednesday, September 23, including a special fireside conversation featuring veteran television executive and producer Nina Lee, offering audiences an inside look at her career and experiences in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the festival, audiences will experience a diverse slate of narrative films, documentaries, shorts and student work examining themes of justice, identity, history, race, culture, community and the human experience. Sixteen nominated films will compete across four categories: Narrative Short, Documentary Short, Documentary Feature and Student Film.
For the first time, MCHRFF will also expand its programming to Spelman College, presenting a full day of screenings on Friday, September 25, at the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts. The collaboration broadens the festival’s footprint across the Atlanta University Center and creates new opportunities for audiences and students to engage with filmmakers and their work.
The festival concludes on Saturday, September 26, when MCHRFF presents Indie Night alongside Indie Night Film Festival. The Closing Night program will feature Montmartre, starring Jesse Williams, bringing the eighth season to a close with a celebration of independent filmmaking and emerging voices.
The 8th Annual MCHRFF is made possible through the generous support of community partners, local organizations, and national advocates committed to advancing human rights through the arts. Sponsors for this year’s festival include:
DeKalb Entertainment Commission
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
The complete festival schedule, film lineup, ticket information and additional guest announcements will be available at morehousefilmfest.com.