22nd Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
Budapest’s most thought-provoking film event returns this November as the 22nd Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival takes over the city from November 11 to 19, 2025. This major cultural festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences to celebrate creative documentary filmmaking focused on human rights, social justice, and stories that inspire positive change.
Key Event Details
- Dates: November 11–19, 2025 (Budapest and 7 other cities)
- Online Program: November 20–30, 2025
- Motto: We Exist Together
- Festival Type: International human rights documentary film festival
- Film Selection: 60 documentaries from around the world, in 11 program sections
- Venues: Toldi Cinema, Művész Cinema, Trafó House, Blinken OSA Archivum, CEU, Institut français, and additional venues nationwide
- Online Platform: Verzio online streaming (available throughout Hungary)
- Ticket Sales: Open now on the official festival website
- Organizers: Verzió Film Foundation and Blinken OSA Archivum
Celebrating Documentary Storytelling and Human Rights
Founded in 2004, Verzió has become Hungary’s leading platform for socially engaged documentary film. Its mission is to present diverse human experiences and foster thoughtful discussions about today’s global challenges. Over two decades, the festival has drawn more than 250,000 visitors, turning Budapest into a hub for filmmakers, critics, and audiences who care deeply about the world around them.
This year’s motto, We Exist Together, shines a light on the ways humans can coexist despite our divisions. Expect stories on solidarity, identity, resilience, and empathy, reflected in films that explore gender equality, climate change, war, education, and everyday human courage.
Best deals of Budapest
Screenings and Venues Across Budapest
Screenings and accompanying events will take place at several beloved venues across Budapest, including Toldi Cinema, Művész Cinema, Trafó House, the Blinken OSA Archivum, CEU, and the French Institute. Beyond the capital, Verzió also screens in cities like Pécs, Szeged, Kecskemét, Veszprém, Miskolc, Szombathely, and Debrecen, ensuring that audiences across Hungary can share the experience.
The festival week is filled with screenings, Q&A sessions, roundtable discussions, and exhibitions, providing countless opportunities to meet filmmakers and engage in meaningful conversations about the documentaries on screen.
Highlights from the 2025 Program
This year’s program features 60 innovative and emotionally rich films from all around the world, with 49 in competition categories and over 10 immersive works in the Vektor section. Divided into 11 thematic sections, the festival presents documentaries that balance powerful artistic expression with compelling storytelling.
- The International Competition includes hard-hitting award-winning films from Sundance and Berlinale that explore war, poverty, family, and freedom.
- The Doc Future section showcases first-time and emerging filmmakers exploring identity and belonging.
- The Hungarian Competition features local talents addressing themes of family, social issues, and memory through intimate storytelling.
- Brand-new focus sections highlight documentaries from South Korea and Iraq, alongside the gripping War Up Close program spotlighting recent Ukrainian works.
- Aspects of Creative Existence dives into the relationship between art, freedom, and human expression.
Each film reflects humanity’s shared struggles and triumphs—reminding audiences that stories can bridge divisions and build understanding across borders.
Experience Verzió Online
For those who can’t attend in person, Verzió continues its online tradition with 36 festival films available for streaming between November 20 and 30 on the official Verzio online platform. Starting November 4, viewers can rent individual titles or purchase a DocFan pass for unlimited access to the online selection.
Workshops and Professional Events
Verzió doesn’t stop at screenings—it’s also a creative incubator for emerging voices. The Verzió DocLab and Young Critics workshops, running parallel to the festival, nurture documentary filmmakers and film critics through mentorship from international professionals. These initiatives reflect Verzió’s commitment to supporting new talent and promoting the growth of the documentary scene.
Why You Should Attend
For visitors and tourists in Budapest, the Verzió Film Festival offers more than cinema—it’s a chance to experience the city’s cultural heart. Each screening venue is located in vibrant downtown areas filled with cafés, bookshops, and local hangouts where filmmakers and movie lovers gather after the shows. The festival’s open-minded atmosphere welcomes international guests, making it a perfect experience for travelers interested in film, art, and social issues.
Plan Your Visit
The 22nd Verzió International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival runs from November 11 to 19, 2025, across Budapest and several Hungarian cities, with online streaming available from November 20 to 30. Tickets and festival passes are already on sale, so it’s time to start planning your documentary-filled week in the Hungarian capital.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, a curious traveler, or someone inspired by real-world stories, Verzió invites you to watch, reflect, and connect through the power of documentary.