RAI Film

RAI FILM is the cinema section of the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) – the world’s longest-established scholarly association dedicated to the furtherance of anthropology (the study of humankind) in its broadest and most inclusive sense. The Institute is a non-profit, registered charity that is entirely independent. It has a particular commitment to promoting the public understanding of anthropology and the contribution of anthropology to public affairs. It publishes journals, has a privileged link with the British Museum’s Anthropology Library, has an extensive photographic collection, gives awards for outstanding scholarship, organises lectures and meetings, and manages several trust funds for research.

Established in 1955, RAI FILM highlights groundbreaking anthropological films from around the globe. Its mission is to advance the role of film in anthropology and share the richness of anthropological insight with a broad audience. Through film, it explores cultural diversity, encourages intercultural dialogue, supports filmmakers, and fosters a thriving, inclusive community while providing a dynamic platform and valuable resources for discovering the world of anthropological documentary filmmaking. It also seeks to push the established conventions of documentary film to explore new, creative and multimodal approaches to form, narrative, collaboration and reflexivity in filmmaking.

RAI FILM has a catalogue of films for educational distribution, is present at platforms such as Alexander Street Press and Kanopy, presents a selection of documentary films available via Vimeo on Demand, and promotes film events across the UK. It has also organised the biennial RAI FILM Festival since 1985.

The RAI FILM Festival stands as the premier global event for those passionate about anthropological documentary filmmaking. As the largest, most influential and one of the oldest of its kind, it’s committed to showcasing films that interrogate our complex, shared world – fearless films that ask difficult questions, tackle intractable issues, and foster dialogue and understanding across cultures. The festival is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, offering a platform for both established voices and emerging filmmakers from around the world. Held in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film, the RAIFF provides a rich programme of screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and events designed to maximise discovery and discussion. Since 2021, the festival has been hybrid, running both online and offline, with an extended offer available worldwide via Festival Scope. In 2025, RAIFF 19th iteration marked its 40th anniversary, with 94 films from 36 countries, including 14 world premieres and 39 UK premieres.

RAI FILM Committee
The RAI FILM Committee consists of fellows from the Royal Anthropological Institute with expertise in documentary film and visual anthropology. Members come from diverse fields, including film direction, production, distribution, and academic research/teaching at leading universities. Serving as an advisory group, they guide and consult on all RAI FILM Office activities. Meeting three to four times a year, the committee acts as a key contact for information, networking, and advice in visual anthropology. They also offer guidance to researchers and broadcasters who consult the RAI FILM collections. Additionally, the committee oversees film distribution, public events, the biennial film festival, and collaborates with other RAI committees on educational and archival programs. See the current Committee members here: https://raifilm.org.uk/about-rai-film/film-committee/