MLK Weekend Film Festival Explores "The Crisis of Democracy in the World House"
The World House Project's annual documentary film festival highlights the voices of marginalized communities and honors Martin Luther King Jr. and the movements he inspired.
To celebrate the 2023 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, The World House Project at CDDRL hosted a four-day virtual film festival from Friday, January 13, through Monday, January 16. The films and conversations focused on the theme of “The Crisis of Democracy in the World House.”
The 2023 World House Film Festival was a powerful showcase of thought-provoking documentaries, interviews, and discussions featuring Dr. Clayborne Carson and guest speakers, including filmmakers, peace activists, and artists. With over 1,600 registrants from 31 different countries, the event was a great international success and a true testament to the importance of highlighting the voices of marginalized communities and reviving the histories of the extraordinary women and men fighting for a more just society. This year, the festival also debuted a new section of African films that was highly acclaimed by attendees.
The festival was produced in partnership with Bullfrog films, California Newsreel, the Camera as Witness Program (Stanford Arts), Clarity Films, the Kunhardt Film Foundation, the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center, Silicon Valley African Film Festival, the USF Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice, and the United Nations Film Festival, who graciously made 45 films and documentaries freely available over the course of the weekend. Trailers and information on how to watch the full films can be found on the festival website.
The World House Project is dedicated to realizing Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a peaceful World House in which "we have to live together," and the festival served as a powerful reminder of the importance of education, human rights, and nonviolence in achieving this goal.