Five Essential Films to Watch for Human Rights Day

Written by Felipe Patterson

Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for freedom, justice, and equality across the world. As a Black American, I recognise the deep significance of this day, both as a moment of reflection and as a call to action. The struggle for human rights is universal, and the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. and the fight against apartheid in South Africa are undeniable.

Cinema has long been a vehicle for amplifying these stories, offering a lens into resilience, liberation, and the pursuit of justice. In honor of Human Rights Day, here are five essential films that capture the global struggle for human rights.

Sarafina! (1992) One of the first films I saw that tackled discrimination beyond the U.S., Sarafina! remains one of the most powerful portrayals of apartheid resistance. Set against the backdrop of the Soweto Uprising, it follows a young girl, Sarafina (played by Leleti Khumalo), who dreams of freedom while confronting the brutal realities of racial oppression. The film is both inspiring and heartbreaking, capturing the spirit of student activism with electrifying performances from Khumalo and Whoopi Goldberg. The music, beautifully composed, is still on my playlist because it’s that good. Sarafina! is a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to stand against injustice.

District 9 (2009) This next pick might surprise some, but despite its sci-fi setting, District 9 is a powerful allegory for apartheid-era segregation and human rights violations. The film reimagines systemic discrimination through an alien species forcibly confined to slums by the South African government, mirroring real-life displacement and oppression. Sharlto Copley delivers a fantastic performance as Wikus, a bureaucrat for the Department of Alien Affairs turned fugitive, whose journey forces him to confront his own prejudices. Filmmaker Neill Blomkamp blends action and social commentary, ensuring District 9 isn’t just a thrilling watch, it’s a critique of xenophobia, racism, and government-sanctioned injustice.

Tsotsi (2005) Winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, Tsotsi is a gripping character study set in Johannesburg, adapted from Athol Fugard’s novel of the same name. The film follows Tsotsi (played by Presley Chweneyagae), a hardened young gang leader whose life takes an unexpected turn after a carjacking goes wrong. What makes Tsotsi so compelling is its nuanced exploration of redemption and human connection against a backdrop of poverty and violence.

Tsotsi’s transformation from a cold, ruthless thug shaped by an abusive father and the harsh realities of street life to a man confronting his own humanity is well told. The film doesn’t just depict crime; it delves into the emotional and psychological weight of survival. And let’s not forget the soundtrack, packed with bangers and featuring the multi-talented Bonginkosi "Zola" Dlamini. Interestingly, Tsotsi has two alternate endings, both of which I find more poetic and fitting than the original. I won’t spoil it, watch it yourself!

Hotel Rwanda (2004) I still remember watching Hotel Rwanda for the first time and realizing just how much of a powerhouse Don Cheadle is and how deeply tragic the Rwandan Genocide was. The film follows Paul Rusesabagina (played by Cheadle), a hotel manager who risked everything to shelter refugees from mass slaughter. Cheadle’s gripping performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, while Sophie Okonedo, who plays his wife, was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The film itself was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, a tribute to its powerful storytelling.

Beyond the accolades, Hotel Rwanda brought global attention to the horrors of the genocide and the international community’s failure to intervene. It sparked renewed conversations about humanitarian responsibility and is still used in discussions on human rights and foreign policy today. The film is an emotionally devastating yet essential watch, offering a striking reminder of the true cost of global inaction.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) No list of human rights films would be complete without a story about Nelson Mandela. And what better film to highlight than Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom? Based on Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, the film chronicles his journey from a young lawyer to an imprisoned revolutionary and, ultimately, South Africa’s first Black president. Idris Elba delivers a commanding performance, capturing Mandela’s unwavering dedication to the fight against apartheid—despite some criticism that he doesn’t physically resemble him. Naomi Harris also gives a standout performance as Winnie Mandela, portraying the complexities of her role in the movement.

What makes Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom so powerful is how it doesn’t just present Mandela as a larger-than-life figure, it also explores his struggles, sacrifices, and the immense personal cost of his fight for freedom. Elba embodies both the fire and wisdom of Mandela as he navigates decades of oppression, resistance, and ultimate triumph.

These five films are essential viewing for Human Rights Day, as they highlight the sacrifices made in the fight for justice, the ongoing struggles for human rights, and the crucial role each of us plays in creating a more equitable world. Whether you're revisiting these influential classics or watching them for the first time, let them serve as both a lesson and an inspiration, and a reminder of the work that remains to be done in protecting people’s rights. Enjoy!