Associate Professor Julia Khrebtan-Hörhager recently joined leading filmmakers and activists at the Naples Human Rights Film Festival in Italy.

As a guest speaker, moderator, and Faculty Program Director of ACT Human Rights Film Festival, Khrebtan-Hörhager engaged with filmmakers and human rights advocates from around the world during this prestigious event dedicated to building a culture of peace.

The festival, which took place in November 2024, served as a platform for crucial discussions about human rights. Khrebtan-Hörhager shared insights about human rights in the United States and Colorado during the opening reception, while also discussing ACT’s innovative work.

“This impressive festival provided an extraordinary opportunity for cross-cultural dialogue and research exchange. I am endlessly grateful to the Festival Director and Lead Programmer, Maurizio Del Bufalo, and the entire festival’s team for their unmatched hospitality and for fostering transformative discussions about global communication, culture of peace, and human rights,” said Khrebtan-Hörhager.

“Although my work as Director of International Education Abroad Program of intercultural communication and Italian film usually brings me to Rome, the historically rich and culturally vibrant city of Naples is truly unique as Italy’s capital of human rights that often serves as a gateway between Europe and the Mediterranean. I applaud Naples Human Rights Film Festival for being the only Italian festival that represents Human Rights Film Network, which in its turn facilitates such connections and collaboration of its members on the global level. For example, our Managing Director Beth Seymour is currently attending  the Nepal Human Rights International Film Festival  in Kathmandu as the jury member. As a team, we are always happy to ACT internationally,” said Khrebtan-Hörhager.

This collaboration highlights the Department of Communication’s commitment to research excellence and global engagement. By participating in such events, scholars like Khrebtan-Hörhager demonstrate how academic expertise can contribute to vital conversations about human rights through communication.

The experience also enriches the learning environment for Colorado State University students, who benefit from professors and staff engaged in international dialogue and research opportunities. As ACT Human Rights Film Festival celebrates its tenth anniversary, this global recognition reinforces its role in fostering critical discussions about communication’s impact on human rights and international understanding.

Experience the intersection of film, human rights, and global dialogue at the ACT Human Rights Film Festival from April 2-6, 2025. Get your festival pass now!