Cate Blanchett to Host Film Forum Premiere on Nov 11
The Academy Award-winning actress will lead the New York debut of five short films funded by the Displacement Film Fund.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Documentary
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On November 11, Cate Blanchett will host the New York premiere of five short films at Film Forum. The screening showcases projects supported by the Displacement Film Fund, which focuses on stories of displaced people.
Why it matters
The Displacement Film Fund provides critical visibility to diverse narratives of forced migration. By highlighting these stories, the fund aims to foster greater empathy and awareness regarding the life experiences of displaced individuals.
The program features five short films ranging in length from 12 to 40 minutes. This slate includes titles such as Rotation, Super Afghan Gym, Allies in Exile, Whispers of a Burning Scent, and Sense of Water.
The players
Cate Blanchett
She is an Academy Award-winning actress and director known for her extensive work in film and theater.
Maryna Er Gorbach
She is an acclaimed filmmaker whose work explores complex social and humanitarian narratives.
Mo Harawe
He is a filmmaker recognized for his contributions to independent cinema and storytelling.
SP Lohia Foundation
This philanthropic organization provides funding and support for various global humanitarian and social initiatives.
The details
The event will feature in-person appearances by filmmakers Maryna Er Gorbach and Mo Harawe at each presentation. The fund, which was conceived at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum and launched at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam, is supported by the SP Lohia Foundation.
Timeline
The fund was conceived at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum.
The fund launched at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam.
The premiere takes place on November 11.
Industry Dynamics
This premiere illustrates a growing trend of philanthropic integration within the independent film sector to support underrepresented voices. The Displacement Film Fund extends the precedent set by the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, leveraging international platforms to advance humanitarian discourse through cinema.
New York residents can attend the premiere on November 11 at Film Forum to view the five-film slate in person. The event provides direct access to the filmmakers and the opportunity to engage with international stories of displacement.
The takeaway
This event demonstrates how the film industry can serve as a conduit for humanitarian advocacy and global awareness. Supporting these short films allows audiences to connect with the human realities of the one in 70 people currently forced to displace.
Further reading
Explore more projects in the field at Documentary.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.
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Do you believe films focused on displacement help build greater empathy for refugees?
