WOW Wales One World Film Festival 2024

  • Annita Nitsaidou

The 23rd edition of the WOW Wales One World Film Festival, held from March 11-28, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the festival’s legacy of celebrating independent storytelling from around the globe. With a diverse lineup of films spanning continents and cultures, the festival showcased the power of cinema to bridge boundaries and connect audiences across the world. The festival embarked on a cinematic journey across Wales, making stops in Bangor, Swansea, Cardigan, and Aberystwyth. From the vibrant streets of Bangladesh to the rich landscapes of Nigeria, and from the historic cities of Iran to the vibrant culture of Colombia, the festival celebrated the diversity of global storytelling through a curated selection of features, documentaries, and short films. In addition to film screenings, the festival hosted several engaging panel discussions and Q&A sessions, providing audiences with a deeper insight into the creative process and the stories behind the films. The festival also featured Abercon, an anime convention that brought together enthusiasts and creators to celebrate the world of anime and manga. As part of our commitment to showcasing 'Ecosinema' films and promoting peacemaking activities and stories, the festival collaborated with the 'Creating Safer Space' project, promoting awareness and fostering dialogue on important issues related to unarmed civilian protection and river protection from places like Colombia, Palestine, and Nigeria.

Building on the success of previous years, WOW Wales One World Film Festival continued to embrace the digital platform, extending its reach beyond physical borders to audiences across the UK. From March 22-31, film enthusiasts across the country had the opportunity to enjoy a curated selection of films from the festival’s program, including features, documentaries, and short films, all from the comfort of their homes.

In my inaugural year as Festival Director, I assumed a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of the festival. With the exception of the Abercon day and a few programme titles, I was responsible for managing virtually every aspect of the festival, from programming and scheduling to marketing and logistics.