Reel Justice Film Festival

The Church teaches that social justice is an integral part of evangelization and an essential part of the Church’s mission. There are so many issues of injustice all over our world, it is hard to know where to begin. Start by joining us for a movie and discussion!

Our Mission

The Reel Justice Film Festival is a partnership between Development & Peace (the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada) and The Roman Catholic Diocese of Hamilton’s Bishop Farrell Library & Archives. Our organizations strive to support social change and provide education around issues of unfair social, political, and economic structures. To learn more or offer support towards actions for change, please visit Development & Peace or the Diocese of Hamilton online.

Courtesy of Salt + Light Media

2025 Festival Schedule

January 23, 2025

She Rises Up

Theme: Poverty, Women’s Entrepreneurship
Location: Online
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. EST

She Rises Up reveals the explosive implications of women’s economic participation as we follow radically different women from Sri Lanka, Peru and Senegal who are fighting to build businesses that create job opportunities for women, while also contributing to the reduction of poverty in their communities.

Film Run Time: 91 minutes, 2024

Speakers: Maureen Castle Tusty, Film Director and James Tusty, Film Executive Producer

Watch the Film Trailer

February 27, 2025

Resilient Genius

Theme: Refugees, Youth
Location: Online Screening
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. EST

Resilient Genius gives voice to children and youth affected by war, conflict, and political unrest. Thirteen children and youth immerse us in memories of Syria, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Rwanda, Afghanistan and Iraq, reflecting on their lives before, during, and after experiences of violence. Their raw recollections, expressions of wisdom, and transformative acts provide a powerful call to action.

Film Run Time: 74 minutes, 2024

Speakers: Joanne Hodges, Film Director and Rita Balla, Director, Office for Refugees, Diocese of Hamilton

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March 27, 2025

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Theme: Youth, Resilience, Community, Migration
Location: Online

Marcel is an adorable, 1-inch-tall shell who ekes out a colourful existence with his grandmother, Connie, and their pet lint, Alan. Once part of a sprawling community of shells, they now live alone as the sole survivors of a mysterious tragedy. However, when a documentary filmmaker discovers them, the short film he posts online brings Marcel millions of passionate fans, as well as unprecedented dangers and a new hope of finding his long-lost family.

* Film link to be sent via email with educational resources.

Film Run Time: 90 minutes, 2021

Watch the Film Trailer

Registration Coming Soon

April 24, 2025

The Grab

Theme: Food Security, Economics & Development
Location: Online
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. EST

Quietly and seemingly out of sight, governments, private investors and mercenaries are working to seize food and water resources at the expense of entire populations. The future world powers will be those who control not oil, but food. And it’s all beginning to bubble to the surface in real time. Global food prices have hit an all-time high, threatening chaos and violence. Sober assessments by world leaders and the international intelligence community have found that within a decade, fresh water shortages will be rippling through the world, turning farmland into dust and triggering violent conflicts. By 2030, the demand for freshwater will outpace supply by 40 percent. It has become the greatest threat facing the planet, surpassing nuclear war, terrorism and climate change, according to security experts. The Grab unfolds a remarkable story of greed and fear at the dawn of the 21st century.

Film Run Time: 104 minutes, 2022

Speakers: Coming Soon

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May 22, 2025

The Condor and the Eagle

Themes: Indigenous Justice, Environmental Care
Location: Online
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. EST

In The Condor and the Eagle, four Indigenous leaders embark on a trans-continental adventure from the Canadian Boreal forests to deep into the heart of the Amazonian jungle to unite the peoples of North and South America and deepen the meaning of Climate Justice. Never-before-seen images expose the extractive mining economy and the global rise of land and water protectors across the Americas.

Film Run Time: 82 minutes, 2019

Speakers: Coming Soon

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Contact

Dominy Williams

Director

905-528-7988 Ext. 2252
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