Active Vista Festival began as the advocacy film festival of DAKILA, first held in December 2008 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the theme “Cinema with a Conscience.” Initially focused on showcasing human rights-themed films, the festival quickly expanded its reach and format. By 2012, it was traveling to multiple cities and engaging thousands of viewers nationwide. A hiatus between 2013 and 2015 allowed for strategic reflection on the festival’s future. In 2016, in response to the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines, particularly during the Duterte administration’s War on Drugs, Active Vista evolved from a biennial film festival into an annual human rights festival. This also marked the founding of the Active Vista Center as a dedicated human rights learning institution of DAKILA. 

Today, the festival is held every September, coinciding with the anniversary of Martial Law in the Philippines. It features a rich array of film screenings, forums, workshops, performances, and art exhibits, all dedicated to reinforcing the importance of human rights advocacy and education.