Tanazian documentary makes shortlist at Geneva International Film Festival

Nearly a hundred film projects were submitted for the “Impact Days” program, a key initiative of the Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights.

Among them, only 12 documentary films made the shortlist.

One standout selection is Children of Honey, a powerful documentary about Tanzania’s Hadzabe people and their fight to preserve their endangered language.

The Hadzabe, one of the world’s oldest hunter-gatherer tribes, are caught in a struggle between preserving their traditional way of life and adapting to modern influences. Their story is one of resilience, cultural survival, and identity.

“When I first met the Hadza, I immediately realized they had something we’ve lost—a deep connection to nature and to each other. Their society is profoundly egalitarian,” said Children of Honey co-director Jigar Ganatra. “When we discussed making this film, the Hadza were clear: ‘This has to be big. We want the world to know our story. For too long, we’ve been misrepresented, and our voices haven’t been heard.’ This platform gives us a chance to connect with people who can support not just the film, but real change.”

In Geneva, directors and producers have the opportunity to present their films not only to funders but also to international advocates invested in the issues their documentaries highlight.

“As an impact producer, we’re working closely with the Hadza to identify their most urgent needs and support grassroots initiatives that already exist,” said Simona Nickmanova, the film’s impact producer. “They are passionate about preserving their language, protecting their land, and ensuring they tell their own story on their terms.”

What unites these filmmakers is their shared commitment to using film as a catalyst for social change.