IU's student-run human rights documentary film festival
The In Light Human Rights Documentary Film Festival is a student-run festival promoting interaction between students, scholars, and practitioners who all share an investment in the many struggles for human rights occurring around the world. Established in 2015, the ILFF is held on even-numbered years. The festival features a series of screenings accompanied by Q+As, artist installations/performances, and roundtables intended to foster dialogue between documentary filmmakers, scholars, and community members.
Documentary films have long been used as effective teaching aids and tools for facilitating public debate on contemporary socio-political issues. ILFF continues this tradition by creating an opportunity in Bloomington where people can find inspiration in this important work and connect with documentary films and filmmakers.
Festivals are funded by a combination of grants, IU partners, Bloomington businesses, and non-profit donors. All screenings are free and open to the public. Learn more about the 2026 festival in our "Past Events."
