27th UNAFF Opening Night Thursday, October 17

27th ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION FILM FESTIVAL (UNAFF) KICKS OFF WITH THE THEME SHARED HUMANITY THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, AND THE MAYOR’S PROCLAMATION TO UNAFF AS ONE OF THE OLDEST PURELY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVALS IN THE U.S., EDUCATING AND ENGAGING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.

60 FILMS THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR VIEW OF THE WORLD.

27th UNAFF SHARED HUMANITY starts on Thursday, October 17, with words from Palo Alto Mayor Greer Stone and messages from actors Matthew Modine and Diego Luna and Italian legendary blues and rock musician Zucchero.

Founder and Executive Director Jasmina Bojic emphasizes this year’s festival theme: “At a time when divisions here and abroad are more ominous than ever, this year’s theme SHARED HUMANITY continues to emphasize the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as we focus on our futures, exploring our common destiny and the issues paving our path, or standing in its way.”

Opening Night Program

5:30 PM Opening Night Reception, sponsored by Coupa Café, Douce France, and Terun Restaurant, music by the Potential Jazz Ensemble.

6:00 PM Opening Night Proclamation & Introduction, presented by Mayor Greer Stone and followed by remarks from the filmmakers.

MATTHEW MODINE’S RIPPLE EFFECT, directed by Matthew Modine - Actor and conservationist Matthew Modine follows extraordinary people making bold attempts to save the planet.

WATER FOR LIFE, directed by Will Parrinello - In the face of harassment and death threats, three community leaders in Central and South America fight powerful forces that threaten the environmental, cultural, and economic survival of their communities.

ZUCCHERO SUGAR FORNACIARI, directed by Valentina Zanella and Giangiacomo De Stefano - This narrative of bluesman Zucchero, shaped by exclusive footage and testimonials from friends like Bono and Sting, explores his emotional journey from childhood struggles and international success to facing personal demons and finding joy in connection.

This is just the start, as UNAFF provides ten more days of varied and fascinating accounts that are bound to surprise you.

Click here for the 27th UNAFF Program. Click here for tickets.

Please invite your friends to join us.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the festival.

UNAFF Team