United Nations Association Film Festival

 UNAFF (United Nations Association Film Festival) was founded in 1998 by Stanford educator and film critic Jasmina Bojic in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The 27th UNAFF will be held from October 17th to 27th in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, San Francisco, and at Stanford University with the theme SHARED HUMANITY. It continues our dedication to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with an emphasis on our common destiny and issues fostering it, or standing in its way.

As one of the oldest solely documentary film festivals in the US, UNAFF has grown and earned the respect of audiences and filmmakers alike for its fearless independence and integrity. In addition to providing early outlets for films, many of which later went on to win major awards and accolades, UNAFF prides itself in creating a community forum with year-round programs facilitating education and dialogue about different cultures, issues, and solutions. 

Over the years UNAFF has screened some of the most acclaimed and talked-about documentaries in the industry, including eight that went on to win Academy Awards and thirty-six that were nominated.   

 Programs we also organize:

• UNAFF TFF (Traveling Film Festival) - Since 2000, TFF films are first screened at the main festival in October before going on the road and have taken place in more than 50 locations in the US and around the world.
• UNAFF in Schools (targeted at middle & high school students) – Since 2005, provides films of interest specifically for teens, followed by interesting open discussions with filmmakers and experts in the field of study
• UNAFF for Seniors – Since 2007, brings documentaries to senior citizens, helping to keep their minds active and engaged
• UNAFF & Kids (targeted at 7-12 year olds) – Since 2008, provides age-appropriate films followed by “meet the filmmaker” and hands-on activities to teach them in a fun way about the world around us
• UNAFF Café – Since 2010, maintains a steady supply of interesting films and informal discussions throughout the year, free and open to the public
• UNAFF for Veterans – Since 2014, brings documentaries to veterans and their families
• UNAFF Women Salon – Since 2015, UNAFF started a forum targeting women who may not otherwise find time for the regular screenings, in an environment which encourages active discussion and engagement.
• CAMERA AS WITNESS Program –Since 2010 at Stanford University, conceived to leverage the appeal of visual information and utilize the medium of documentary film as a year-round educational tool, ranging from international relations to the environment, from energy policy to human rights. Through world-class documentary films initially screened at UNAFF, expert panels, and discussions with filmmakers, Camera As Witness provides an innovative and structured student-centric platform for learning and engagement.

EIN:  82-0744339