Mothers of Chibok Wins Willy Brandt Dokumentary Film Award 2026

Joel Kachi Benson’s film “Mothers of Chibok” was awarded the 2026 Willy Brandt Documentary Film Award at the Human Rights Film Festival in Berlin. Peter Brandt, representing the board of trustees, presented the prize on behalf of the Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt Foundation on April 17 at the festival’s closing evening at the Kino in der Kulturbrauerei (Culture Brewery Cinema).

“With this prize, we want to commemorate Willy Brandt’s achievements as Federal Chancellor and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and at the same time support outstanding filmmakers whose work exemplifies Willy Brandt’s values” said Peter Brandt at the award ceremony. “Documentaries address many of the issues that were close to Willy Brandt’s heart. They have the power to hold those in power accountable, stimulate public debate, inspire action, and give a voice to people and stories that would otherwise go unheard.”

“Mothers of Chibok” tells the story of four mothers whose daughters were abducted by Boko Haram in 2014. The film powerfully portrays their resilience, faith, and courage in standing up for a better life. “What truly makes this film exceptional is not only its subject matter, but also its intimate narrative style and the careful use of perspective,” the jury explained. “The film not only shows what was taken from these women, but also what they continue to build. It makes resistance visible and simultaneously inspires viewers to take action and shape a better future.”

An honorable mention went to “Shot – The Voice of Freedom.” Zainab Entezar’s documentary powerfully depicts the resilience of women in Afghanistan who risk their lives to fight for education, self-determination, and fundamental freedom.

The winning film will be presented in a special screening at the Kino in der Kulturbrauerei on Saturday, April 18, at 12:00 noon.

The Willy Brandt Documentary Film Prize is awarded by the foundation to a documentary film for its outstanding artistic and thematic achievement. The prize, endowed with €5,000, has been awarded annually since 2019 as part of the Human Rights Film Festival Berlin. The festival was founded in 2018 by the organization Action Against Hunger.”