History as Hashtag: Revolution in the Age of Social Media

Programmed by Rosa Martinez

The films featured here take us back to the years between 2010 and 2020, a decade marked by mass protest and civil unrest across the globe. Driven by stark inequality, anti-authoritarian movements, and the rise of social media, more people took to the streets during these years than at any other point in recorded history—many armed with cameras that rapidly exposed police brutality and state repression worldwide. Now, midway through the 2020s, these struggles continue amid a global rightward turn. As fascism and genocide threaten an already fragile world order, reflecting on the people, strategies, and stories of recent revolutions feels more urgent than ever. This powerful series captures defining cinematic moments from the age of social media-driven revolt.