In a context marked by rising nationalism, extremism, inequality and exclusion, the 2025 edition of the Humaniza film showcase highlights migration as a central feature of contemporary societies. Its aim is to foster debate around four key ideas that show how migration collectively shapes and reshapes communities and the social contract that sustains them: (dis)trust, resilience, dignity and resistance/existence.

Beyond addressing the growing polarisation surrounding human rights and migration, both in national politics and in international relations, the showcase also seeks to value the many contributions that migrants make to society. It invites reflection on the role these individuals play in shaping the social contract — that is, the norms, ideas and practices that organise collective life.

The showcase emphasises the urgency of recognising dignity in movement as an ethical, situated and relational practice. It reminds us that the democratic project can only be renewed if we cease to view the “other” as a threat and instead see them as someone who broadens, enriches and reinvents the social contract. The films presented highlight the contributions of migrant and refugee filmmakers, association leaders and researchers to the reconfiguration of the contemporary social pact.

The second edition of Humaniza will take place on the International Human Rights Day and will be held simultaneously in Abrantes (Sardoal), Coimbra, Évora and Faro.

Organising Committee | Monica Braga (FEUC), Carlos Campos (Grande Coisa!, Espalhafitas Cineclube de Abrantes), Rui Carvalho (CES), Manuel João Cruz (CES, UTAD), Leah Durst-Lee (CES), Cristiano Gianolla (CES), Carla Gomes (Grande Coisa!), Pavlo Kravchuk (FPCEUC), Ana Miguel Regedor (CES, Cineclube Faro), Maria Zozaya (U Évora, Heritales)

Organising Institutions | Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra (CES-UC), through the ITM - Inter-Thematic group on Migrations and the research project CO3 - COntinuous COnstruction of resilient social COntracts through societal transformations, Grande Coisa!, Faro Film Club, Espalhafitas – Abrantes Film Club, Heritales

Support | European Union, University of Évora, INATEL Foundation, Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ)