Why Freedom?

Four powerful films from Ghana, Kenya, India, and Somalia focus on freedom through personal stories. We meet a dancer from Nairobi who defies public shame, activists from Accra fighting environmental destruction, a young woman from Somalia breaking social norms, and schoolchildren in India affected by intolerance. Combined with engaging discussions, Why Freedom offers perspectives on courage, resistance, and the struggle for freedom.

Following the short films Shame's Last Dance (17 min), We Won't Let You Poison Us (15 min), and Path of Her Own (14 min), you can meet Kenyan producer Mungai Kiroga for a conversation about how stories are created, who gets to tell them, and how we can collaborate in a process that is less about aid and development and more about solidarity and community. After the screening of Catching Them Young (45 min), you can meet the film’s director, Pankaj Johar, in conversation with Mathilde Kürstein from The Why Foundation. 

Roskilde Festival’s cinema is returning in 2026 after 13 years. During First Days, you can experience both new feature films, documentaries, and special late-night screenings. The Cinema programme is curated by Roskilde Festival and Roskilde Festival Højskole and created in collaboration with CPH:DOX, the European Parliament, The Why Foundation, RoskildeBio.nu, and the Danish National Film School.