Amnesty BMK – International Women’s Day 2026 Film Screening

8 March 2026 · The Old Printworks, 498-506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH

Following the success of our previous short film screening for International Women’s day 2024, we are proud to return with our 2nd film screening, celebrating powerful stories that spotlight women’s rights globally. This screening is designed as an inspiring, community-focused event that brings together filmmakers, activists, and audiences in solidarity with women everywhere.

We Are Now Welcoming Film Submissions
Submissions for the 2026 programme are officially open.
We are currently seeking short films under 35 minutes that explore any aspect of women’s rights, broadly defined. Filmmakers and films from all backgrounds, countries, and genres are encouraged to apply.
Whether your work explores a personal narrative, a global issue, a local struggle, or a celebration of resilience, we want to see it.
Submit now via FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/amnestybmk

Event Details
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026 (International Women’s Day)
Time: Afternoon screening (exact schedule TBA)
Venue: The Old Printworks, Balsall Heath, Birmingham
Format: Short film programme + possible guest speakers + discussion
Admission: Free / donation-based
The evening will include: Amnesty information stalls and current campaign materials.
Submission Guidelines
We invite short films under 35 minutes in any genre, including: Documentary, Narrative, Animation, Experimental, Hybrid or art film.
Your film must in some way explore, interrogate, or reflect upon women’s rights. This includes (but is not limited to): Equality and discrimination, Gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ women’s experiences, Identity, autonomy, and personal freedom, Activism and social justice, Migration, conflict, displacement, Cultural or systemic barriers, Everyday lived experiences, Representation and visibility.
We welcome both emerging and established filmmakers.
Films from underrepresented and marginalised communities are especially encouraged.

Venue: The Old Printworks
Our 2026 screening takes place at The Old Printworks, a creative, community-run arts space in the heart of Balsall Heath. Known for its inclusive ethos, grassroots energy, and warm, intimate atmosphere, it is an ideal home for a meaningful evening of film, activism, and discussion.
What to Expect
We will present a carefully selected programme of short films from around the world, all centred on women’s rights. Expect a diverse mix of genres and storytelling styles chosen for their emotional impact, artistic quality, and relevance.
The programme shines a light on women’s experiences internationally, offering perspectives from a wide range of cultures, communities, and lived realities. The aim is to spark meaningful conversation and deepen understanding of global women’s rights issues.

Depending on filmmaker availability, we hope to host Q&A sessions, guest speakers, and/or guided discussions following selected films.
At our last event with Amnesty Central Birmingham, we were fortunate to have one of the filmmakers attend in person and deliver a short talk about her film, her process, and the story behind it, which was a powerful moment that helped audiences engage more deeply with the themes on screen.
We aim to create similar moments this year.
We will have information stalls where attendees can learn about Amnesty’s current campaigns, find out how to get involved with Amnesty and take immediate action through petitions.
We hope to provide a small selection of refreshments, helping to create a relaxed, welcoming environment for audiences to mingle, reflect, and discuss the films.
Our events are intentionally intimate and inclusive. Expect a warm welcome, space for conversation, opportunities to connect with activists and other filmmakers and a sense of shared purpose and solidarity.
Why Submit / Why Attend?
For filmmakers:
Feature your work in a human rights driven programme and connect with activists, audiences, and fellow creatives.
Participate in a post-screening discussion and share your story with an engaged, socially conscious community.

For audiences:
Experience powerful storytelling centred on women’s rights and learn about global and local human rights issues.
Engage in discussion with filmmakers and activists and discover ways to take action with Amnesty International locally.

Thank you from Amnesty Balsall Heath, Moseley and Kings Heath.